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Back in July, it was reported that the body of Kazuki Takahashi, the creator of the iconic manga franchise Yu-Gi-Oh!, was found floating off the coast of Nago City, Okinawa. He was pronounced dead at the age of 60 years old.
Now, over three months after the initial reports of Takahashi’s death, the United States military has confirmed that he died trying to save multiple people who were drowning.
U.S. military confirms that Kazuki Takahashi, the creator of Yu-Gi-Oh!, died while trying to save three people, including an American soldier, from drowning
A story on Stars & Stripes, the Department of Defence’s own news service, reports that a “U.S. Army officer [has been] recognized for rescuing three people from a riptide at a popular Okinawa dive spot in an episode that apparently killed a well-known Japanese manga artist.”
During the rescue, however, “several sworn witness statements provided by the Army” say Takahashi jumped in to help, but onlookers only “caught glimpses of him until he disappeared beneath the waves.” [via Kotaku]
49-year-old Major Robert Bourgeau, who was also on the scene and was able to rescue three people — two civilians and a US soldier — has been recommended for a Soldier’s Medal for his actions on that day. Speaking to Stars & Stripes Bourgeau said that the late Takahashi is a hero.
“He’s a hero. He died trying to save someone else,” Bourgeau said.
Yu-Gi-Oh!, which was first published in 1996, went on to become a success in the United States thanks to its anime adaptation Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, which aired on the Kids WB network from 2001 to 2006.
Our thoughts are with Takahashi’s friends, family, fans, and various loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
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