LOS ANGELES — Performer Tegan Toxik, 35, passed away at her home Monday, March 22, according to her colleagues at Grooby. Also known simply as "Tegan," she was discovered in 2016 and appeared in scenes for the company through the end of 2020.
"I only met her a few times, but if I had to sum her up in one word, it would be that she was very sweet," wrote Grooby founder Steven Grooby in an online tribute.
"It always comes as a shock when someone so young, with so many friends, and who seemed to be moving forward with her life, ends it so suddenly and tragically. I know she was well-liked among the community, and many models counted her as a friend — as seen by their many tributes and celebrations of her left on social media," said Grooby.
"Tegan was a disabled veteran of the Army, having served in Afghanistan and had been living in Las Vegas in recent years, where she had many friends and was part of the trans adult community, co-creating content as well as working on her own content," he added.
Producer Radius Dark described her as "one of the sweetest, nicest people I’ve met in the industry."
Dan Hogue, director of operations for Transerotica, has been giving support to Tegan's partner.
“We are all hurting and are confused with this loss of a friend. We may never know the reason why. There is help for those that need it," he said. "Let the overall message be to seek assistance. Never be afraid to ask for help, reach out to a fellow performer or colleague. There are also anonymous resources available in Pineapple Support and other trusted folks in the industry that would always drop what they are doing and make time for you."
A GoFundMe page has been established to help defray immediate expenses.
"All of us at Grooby, pass on our love, our respect and condolences to her partner, her family and her friends, and to the many performers who worked with Tegan," Grooby said.
