Japanese manga artist Kazuki Takahashi reportedly died while attempting to rescue people from drowning.
Military newspaper Stars and Stripes recently revealed the details of the Yu-Gi-Oh! creator’s death. According to bystanders, Kazuki lost his life trying to save three strangers that were engulfed in a strong current.
On July 4th, Kazuki dove into a riptide, hoping to bring a woman and her 11-year-old daughter back to shore.
49-year-old U.S. Army officer, Major Robert Bourgeau, also attempted to rescue the individuals. Although Bourgeau did not come in contact with Kazuki, many witnesses saw him trying to assist.
Bourgeau did manage to save the woman and her daughter but feared he would lose his life if he went back to save a 39-year-old U.S. soldier who was also struggling in the water.
“The conditions were really, really rough,” he told the newspaper. “I grabbed mom, and I grabbed [the girl], and I just kicked for all life.”
Thankfully, Bourgeau was able to help direct the solder out of the strong currents by yelling specific orders.
“That was one the hardest things I have ever had to do; I let [the man] go so I could save myself,” he wrote in his witness statement, according to the publication.
Unfortunately, Kazuki’s body was found roughly 1,000 feet offshore two days later.
Bourgeau was nominated for the Soldier’s Medal for his actions and called Kazuki a “hero,” adding, “He died trying to save someone else.”
