Ed Piskor, best known for Hip Hop Family Tree and X-Men: Grand Design as well as the cohost of the YouTube talk show Cartoonist Kayfabe has died his family has announced. He was 41 years old.
Piskor’s sister Justine wrote on Facebook:
While the cause of death has not been made public, Piskor posted a suicide note earlier in the day in which he addresses accusations and allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior that had been made public the previous week.
An exhibition of Piskor’s art was scheduled to begin in April but was postponed after the allegations became public. Piskor in his note referenced other deals that ended due to the accusations.
In his note, Piskor said that texts shared were taken out of context and other claims were not true. He admitted for being “stupid” for continuing to talk to a 17 year old after finding out her age. He attributed the decision due to loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown. He denied other claims, saying they “border criminal.”
Piskor’s note described his despair and the accusation’s impact on his career saying that “it’s all gone.” He added that he hoped his death “makes people think twice when joining an internet feeding frenzy.”
The news has shocked the comic industry with a wide range of thoughts and reactions.
For those dealing with depression, thinking of taking their own life, or just need someone to talk to, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 is a free, 24/7 confidential service that can provide people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, or those around them, with support, information and local resources.
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