CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Adult talent and other industry professionals have responded with a veritable flood of shock and grief across social media and elsewhere to Thursday's news of performer Dakota Skye's untimely passing at the age of 27.
AVN reached out to several of those who worked closely with Skye over the course of her career, which began in 2013, for their reflections on the star.
East Coast Talents owner John O'Byrne, whose agency was the first to represent Skye, commented, “I’m truly saddened to hear of Dakota’s passing. She came to East Coast Talent at a time when our brand was flourishing, we were representing a lot of top talent, but Dakota never let that intimidate her. She worked hard and took advantage of every opportunity.
"Over the years we certainly had our disagreements," O'Byrne continued, "but Dakota always kept it professional and positive, even when she was facing some challenges professionally and personally. I would personally like to express my deepest condolences to her friends, fans and family.”
Mark Spiegler of boutique agency SpieglerGirls, which represented Skye between 2014 and the beginning of 2015, offered simply, "She was wacky, she was out there, but I liked the kid."
"I interviewed her for Fleshbot multiple times and she was always sweet, kind, professional and completely enthused about whatever project she had going on," Fleshbot Channel Manager Holly Kingstown said. "This is a real loss to the industry and everyone who knew her."
Talent agent Anthony De Coninck of OC Modeling, which took Skye on in 2018, recollected, "Dakota was a fun person to be around. We would joke and laugh all the time. That's how I will remember her. I will miss her very much."
Added OC co-owner Sandra McCarthy, "My heart is so sad over this terrible news. I want to focus on the beautiful human she was. She was someone’s daughter, a friend, a co-worker, and I want to remember the funny times we had and all the laughs and giggles we shared. That’s the girl I remember.
"She was a fireball when she was on set and everyone loved her," McCarthy also noted. "I wish that I could have saved her. I want to hug her and tell her I love her. I will miss you, may you rest in peace.”
As AVN receives further remembrances of Skye, they will be added here.
