LAS VEGAS—Alexander Gustavo, who entered the adult industry in 2012, was found dead Saturday morning of a gunshot to his head, which apparently was self-inflicted. He was 33 years old, and had appeared in 44 features and scenes for some of the industry's top gay companies, including Next Door Entertainment, Hothouse Entertainment, Falcon Studios, Men.com, Jet Set Productions, and KinkMen.com, as well as several bi productions for Mile High Media.
Gustavo's body was discovered by fellow performer Jaxton Wheeler in the Las Vegas apartment they shared. Wheeler had just returned from a shoot in San Francisco at Kink when he found his friend's body.
"I’ve never seen something like that in person before," Wheeler told the Str8UpGayPorn website. "I’ve lost friends, but for it to be my best friend; he was like my brother. We really enjoyed working together … He looked out for me and I looked out for him. To know that he didn’t say one thing to me, didn’t reach out, [and] to find him with his girlfriend and her son following right behind me. It just keeps playing over and over in my head."
Gustavo had won Grab magazine's Best Bottom Award at their 2014 Grabby Awards, "despite being up against some higher profile bottoms who got plowed on a near weekly basis through all of last year," wrote commentator J. W. Waxner-Herman on TheSword.com website.
"Rest with the Angels, Alexander Gustavo ... you will be missed greatly," tweeted someone from Falcon Studios. "Our hearts go out to all your family and friends."
"Just woke up to the news that my friend Alexander Gustavo passed away last night. RIP my friend. I am in tears," tweeted fellow star Trenton Ducati.
"The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee is deeply saddened by the death of fellow performer, Alexander Gustavo," APAC said in a statement released earlier today and signed by the Chair Chanel Preston and officers Ela Darling, Mickey Mod, Venus Lux and Verta. "Our condolences go out to his family and friends. We encourage all who are affected by this mournful incident to reach out to their peers during this difficult time. If you or someone you know have thoughts of suicide, there is help and support available to you; we hope you will consider reaching out to your friends, family, or the following helplines:
"National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-talk (8255)
"Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
"Crisis Text Line: 741-741
"Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860"
Wheeler said information on the time and place for funeral services for Gustavo will be released soon.
