LOS ANGELES — The longtime graphic designer and company jack-of-all-trades for Grooby — Danny, also known affectionately as “Sparky Snakeden” — has passed away.
He succumbed to cancer late last week; his husband and family members were by his side. Danny was only 38 years old.
Described by a company rep as “a loyal and visible ally in the trans adult community,” Danny first began working for Grooby in 2010 where he served as graphic designer, marketing assistant and “hardworking Joe Friday,” said Kristel Penn, Grooby’s marketing and editorial director.
“I don’t have the words to accurately summarize the pain I feel from Danny’s passing,” she said. “It is a huge loss, not only for his husband and his family, but to his extended family in the adult industry who will miss his sunshine-y presence both online and especially at the Transgender Erotica Awards (TEAs). People knew us as ‘PB&J’ because you’d always find us together, and his absence is a cavern I will always carry with me. I feel comfort, however, in the privilege of being his friend and Grooby partner-in-crime for the last ten years.”
Company founder and CEO, Steven Grooby, praised Danny as “an integral part” of the company.
“We're all deeply saddened by Danny's passing,” he said. “His enthusiasm and creativity show in a lot of what we do. Many people will know him from the TEAs as he worked the red carpet and backstage, but he was also behind the scenes designing box covers, video promos, social networking and more.”
He notes Danny coined the popular “Grooby Girls” descriptive.
“In the last few years, he'd really found his groove, both at work and with his new husband, so the tragedy of seeing someone die so young feels further compounded,” Grooby said. “He will be missed greatly. His legacy will continue through the company, and through what he helped create. My love goes to his husband and family.”
The rep notes Danny’s “signature bright, fun-loving style” is evident in the TEAs promotional graphics and nomination videos, which he concocted alongside Penn and Dev Grooby. He also hosted “T-Time with Sparky Snakeden” on YouTube, where he interviewed trans performers from the company’s offices in Burbank.
A memorial has been posted online at Grooby.com, where friends and colleagues are encouraged to share photos and reminiscences.
