PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Gay adult performer Tyler Roberts passed away Friday; the news was confirmed by his partner Aaron Thomas and other family members.
A specific cause of death has not been released, but according to messages posted to a GoFundMe campaign launched to help him cover expenses while hospitalized, Roberts was battling heart, liver and kidney failure. He had been vacationing in Palm Springs last month when he was admitted to the ICU.
As news began to spread throughout the weekend, industry friends and colleagues memorialized the strapping Roberts, who was remembered as a "gentle giant" with a gregarious sense of humor. He first appeared on the scene nearly 15 years ago for Titan Media, when he was known as "Ty Roberts."
Following a long hiatus, he reappeared in 2017-18, where his more mature, broad-shouldered good looks left an indelible impression for Falcon Studios, Hot House Video and NakedSword Originals. Notable titles include "The Fixer," "Max in the City" and "The Slutty Professor."
Roberts also appeared in titles for Men.com, Treasure Island Media and Lucas Entertainment, and earned industry kudos from the Grabby Awards and Cybersocket Awards.
"This is crushing news to all who knew and loved him," wrote director Tony Dimarco on Twitter. "A wonderful man with his megawatt personality and smile. My heart goes to his partner, family and all who loved him from near and far. May he rest in peace... he will be greatly missed. This is a sad day."
Performer and Luxxxe Studios founder JD Daniels described him as "such a kind and sweet man who will be truly missed."
Sister Roma, creative director for Falcon/NakedSword, was a close friend of Roberts.
"He was a kind soul and a beautiful human being inside and out," she said. "We were lucky to spend time together on a gay cruise in 2020 right before the pandemic. Touring Puerto Rico and getting matching temporary henna tattoos was one of the highlights of my trip. Over the many years of our friendship I watched him travel the world, fall in and out of love, and redefine himself time and time again. I watched him grow from a shy young twink in the Castro to an internationally recognized Adonis — but he never lost his boyish charm and love for life. I will miss his brilliant smile and warm hugs. Sending my love to all who knew him; this is a hard one."
Thomas said Roberts' passing leaves "a huge space behind that can’t easily be fixed."
"Lead with love and tell everyone you can you love them as if it’s the last," he wrote in a Twitter post.
[Photo: Sister Roma]
