RIP Erik Rhodes

[Muscle Lover 2]

I am SO sad at this news. I enjoyed Erik's movies but, more, I enjoyed Erik. I only got to meet him a few times but I found him to be kind, generous with his attributes, not conceited and a pleasure to be with in every sense of the word. We had great visits during our time together. I, too, pray that he finds peace from whatever tormented him.

[whipped guy]

I just caught this... and I do feel quite saddened, distressed, and troubled. I never met the guy... but did know someone who had a steroid connection to him... and I feel troubled for him as well... and I sincerely hope that he is okay. Of course we don't know what the cause of his Eric's untimely demise was... I don't want to speculate but I do know that steroids were a part of his life... and I sincerely hope that perhaps those who knew him best can reflect on his all too brief time with us... and learn some lessons from what seemed to be a somewhat troubled existence. In any event, may he be at peace...

[Guest]

I actually enjoyed his films. This is such sad news. No one should die at 30-years old. Hopefully he died without pain, in his sleep. RIP.

 

If he died of a heart attack, it's usually a fairly quick and painless way to go. Most doctors will tell you that this is the way they'd like to die. And if he had a heart attack, there was either a congenital defect in his heart, or it was caused by drugs, cocaine being the most likely, then amphetamines, then steroids alone (anabolic steroids will accelerate coronary atherosclerosis, but rarely directly cause a heart attack). Maybe these celebrity deaths help save lives by discouraging substance abuse?

http://www.gaysexblog.net/images/erik_rhodes_lg_050307.jpg

[Guest]

http://hungland.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/erik_best_2.jpg

[+ Lucky]

A death likes this gives us as a group a chance to show some class. We write constantly about all of the guys we like in films, and when one goes down, we can show some gratitude and respect, in this final moment if we have not before. I have met Erik before he was Erik. I did write encouraging him to get help when I read of his distress. But, now that he is gone, thanks for the memories and may he be in a good place.

[JT Brooklyn]

Death is not the greatest loss in life.

The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.

~Norman Cousins

 

 

http://www.papermag.com/blogs/erik.jpghttp://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Qzd9HIsRWeA/SQbrN9ezgZI/AAAAAAAAPDE/AXz8FyAdiH0/s400/Erik+Rhodes.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1FaNpilE8y8/TOFm3m-GpGI/AAAAAAAAALY/uCYQS8c8rBQ/s1600/get-attachment-3.aspx.jpeghttp://preview.cubik.com/ns_photos/Falcon/Asylum/images/FVP190_101920_G_ErikRhodes.jpg

 

R.I.P. 1982 - 2012

 

Thank You Jack for the very appropriate quote and of course the Photo's!

[RockHard]

Say what?

 

A death likes this gives us as a group a chance to show some class. We write constantly about all of the guys we like in films, and when one goes down, we can show some gratitude and respect, in this final moment if we have not before. I have met Erik before he was Erik. I did write encouraging him to get help when I read of his distress. But, now that he is gone, thanks for the memories and may he be in a good place.

 

An odd post, indeed, from someone I respect. But why the tone of lecture? On class, no less? Everyone mourns loss in his or her own way. Why must "class" be attached to the process? How is this respectful of those who grieve?

 

What on earth does "guys we like in films" mean? Especially a porn film? It's not like I know the performer. We're not friends. The porn actor didn't share an intimate moment with me. The actor created a sexual fantasy on video and got paid for it, by choice. Why should "guys we like in films" demand "gratitude and respect?"

 

I'm glad you liked this guy, Lucky, and wrote him, encouraging him to get help. But what was the point of mentioning that after the preachy tone on "chance to show some class?" Does this mean you have more class than anyone who comes here to criticize the porn actor in any way?

 

I don't know Erik Rhodes. I've heard of him, but I'm not familiar with his personal story, his talent, and I don't recall ever seeing one of his movies. Overly muscular men are a sexual turn-off to me. But now, upon his death, I'm learning about his troubles. And he was clearly a man in despair.

 

What strikes me about the photos posted to this thread, Erik's eyes in most of them appear empty. It's as if the guy being photographed had lost his soul.

 

If anything, we should mourn a fellow gay man who was unable to find a healthy path for what ailed him. There is much about mental health issues many of us do not understand. When we hear stories like these, many of us question our own minds. What am I capable of doing when depression takes severe control of me?

 

I think open discussion of Erik Rhodes and his behavior is good for all gay men who have questions about life, health, and happiness. I don't care about the tone of the discussion, or "gratitude and respect," as long as the feelings expressed are honest.

[tyro]

I feel the same way about the eyes. There was just something missing from his spirit.

[maxwellissmart]

...If anything, we should mourn a fellow gay man who was unable to find a healthy path for what ailed him. There is much about mental health issues many of us do not understand. When we hear stories like these, many of us question our own minds. What am I capable of doing when depression takes severe control of me?

 

I think this is a succinct and well-put statement. I had seen the face but didn't know the name or any of the history behind it, so I did some reading about Erik and some reading from his as well. What struck me most was a sense that he was simply adrift, and taking on water from all sides. I thought his blog would be funny and insightful—it was angry and depressing. I thought his posts about escorting would be interesting—what shocked me was how naive and detached he seemed to be from pretty much all forms of intimacy. Even posts/queries that attempted to praise him or show some respect were for the most part, rebuffed or countered with insults or self-deprecating statements. It's unfortunate that Erik lived and died the way that he did, and apparently saw himself through the blinders of depression as little more than a sex object. I would be interested to see what his family—his brother in particular, would have to say about his life and his death.

[Jaker27]

I feel the same way about the eyes. There was just something missing from his spirit.[/quote

Meh. I don't see it but you also know the background of the guy so of coarse you just absolutely see the loss of spirit in his eyes. I'm sure if he was a prankster you'd say he had a mischievous look to them, etc.

[Toulouse]

Video Memorial of Erik

 

[video=youtube;ex6bZtKq7nU]

[JT Brooklyn]

Very Sweet Memorial...

[bigvalboy]

Thank you for posting this Toulouse...it was a beautiful tribute.

[seeker630]

Thanks for sharing that, Toulouse.

[CowboyUp]

Such sad news about Erik. I just met him in person a couple weekends ago at IML. Looking back on our brief exchange, he was clearly circling the drain then. Higher than the moon. But strangely his sweet, boy-like personality shined through it. No is not the time to judge or question who's at fault and how much for this tragedy. Just makes me sad because clearly this was inevitable, even to someone like me, a casual observer. Rest in peace, Erik. At least you are no longer in pain.

[Steven_Draker]

What a sad news! May he rest in peace.

[Edward]

Indeed Erik's passing is sad. We should each look within ourselves and not judge. Porn stars would not be stars if they did not have fans who enjoyed their videos. Rentboys would not be escorts if they did not have clients who enjoyed their company. That puts stars, fans, rentboys/escorts and clients all on the same footing/level. If we judge one we judge ourselves. May we reach out to each other as brothers.

[JackTwist]

A great big HUG & to you, Edward. My hat is off to you for these thoughtful comments. Well said!

[+ Lucky]

Erik received a nice write up in the NY Times today: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/fashion/erik-rhodess-death-was-early-but-perhaps-not-surprising.html?_r=1

[josephga]

I suspected he was most likely HIV positive as stated in the write up. He talked a few times in his blog about barebacking while on drugs

[maxwellissmart]

I suspected he was most likely HIV positive as stated in the write up. He talked a few times in his blog about barebacking while on drugs

 

Actually I think he specifically stated in one of his blog posts how lucky he considered himself to have been tested and it came back negative. He made some sort of comment about a new outlook on life or something along those lines—I don't remember how old the post was, though.

[RockCreekRunr]

Erik received a nice write up in the NY Times today: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/fashion/erik-rhodess-death-was-early-but-perhaps-not-surprising.html?_r=1

 

Interesting article. I find it compelling that Erik spent some of his last few hours on Earth having sex with a "wealthy client" and another escort.

[Jaker27]

Actually I think he specifically stated in one of his blog posts how lucky he considered himself to have been tested and it came back negative. He made some sort of comment about a new outlook on life or something along those lines—I don't remember how old the post was, though.

Yeah, if your doing lots of drugs and barebacking I guess that really would be a lucky break.

[Jaker27]

Interesting article. I find it compelling that Erik spent some of his last few hours on Earth having sex with a "wealthy client" and another escort.

Not a bad way to go out though. Kind of like a last meal exept it's a good fuck and then lights out.

[JackTwist]

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and peace to thee,

God wanted me now; He set me free.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img266/4489/55686432606621598941191.jpg