Gay adult film performer Eric Hazen, known by his stage name Tyler Roberts, passed away due to organ failure on December 2. He was 34 years old.
The news comes just a few weeks after his boyfriend, Aaron Thomas, shared on Twitter that Hazen was “fighting for his life in the ICU,” suffering from organ failure while vacationing in Palm Springs.
On Saturday, Thomas announced Hazen’s passing with a heartfelt post in his honor:
“I am so heartbroken to share that my love, [Eric Hazen,] passed away yesterday,” he wrote. “His family and I are grieving as Eric left 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. I love you Bubba. Rest now.”
I am so heartbroken to share that my love @XXXTylerRoberts passed away yesterday. His family and I are grieving as Eric left 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. I love you Bubba. Rest now. pic.twitter.com/DndnBq2D7n
— Aaron Thomas (@AaronThomasNYC) December 4, 2022
“My heart keeps breaking into a million little pieces over and over,” Thomas wrote in his final message to Hazen. “I suppose that means that I loved you that much more. You had an incredible life Eric and [I’m] honored I got to be a part of that.”
A week prior, Thomas shared a more hopeful update, noting that Hazen’s kidneys had begun to work again, but adding, “he still has a long road ahead” to recovery. At the time, he said Hazen’s heart was “too big and can no longer support his body,” and would need a heart transplant down the line.
Under the moniker Tyler Roberts, Hazen was prolific performer in the adult film industry, who Edge Media notes had been featured in dozens of gay porn scenes since his debut in 2008. More recently, he had been producing his own content via platforms OnlyFans and JustForFans.
As Thomas writes, Roberts will be remembered as “larger than life, kind, gentle, silly,” and as someone who “gave everything he had [’til] he had no more give.”
Around the time he was initially taken to the hospital, Roberts’ loved ones set up a GoFundMe to cover medical expenses, family travel, and other bills. Now, all funds donated will help cover services and other costs associated with his passing. They have currently raised over $13,000 of their $30,000 goal.
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Chrisk
His heart being too big leads me to think roids were involved.
34 is way too young to die. RIP.
Den
Steroids can cause heart enlargement and kidney disease. Most often in those with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions who would be taking them consistently for long periods of time.
People with RA, IBD and similar conditions often develop heart disease as a result of steroids. Even low doses double the risk of heart diseases.
Bodybuilders show similar increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
He certainly looked like a bodybuilder, but apparently 1 in 100 people take steroids to control autoimmune conditions!
CatholicXXX
They likely played a role but I’m certain there were many “other” factors involved.
RIP, bro.
ShiningSex
Seems like other things not being said contributed. Not shocking. Still sad.
The real Bruce
So sad to hear. Every life is precious. Eric’s was too short. Dear Aaron, be strong and keep the memories you two shared alive. Time heals.
SDR94103
Don’t do porn. You die.
Den
Most don’t. Some do.
Mack
Um, everybody dies whether they’ve done porn or not.
MISTERJETT
if you live you die
ondaboat0069
His death could have been caused by long term COVID complications.
LumpyPillows
Nope. Not with those symptoms.
jackscott
I always enjoyed his video, he was a beautiful guy. However, it is obvious that drugs etc. played a role in his untimely death. I wish more of these porn guys would realize this and make other decisions. Just have fun with the videos don’t add the junk to your body, please.
Vince
He went to Palm Springs and died suddenly. I love Palm Springs but for those don’t know it has a reputation for drug use. Especially Meth. At least with gay men.
No judgment though. I’ve done my own share of sex and drugs in my past. Luckily I didn’t kill myself doing it though.
LumpyPillows
Doesn’t sound like meth though.
Vince
Apparently it happened during Pride wknd in Palm Springs. I don’t think you need to be and expert to figure out why it happened. We all know what goes on during those parties.
sfhairy
A littler too much nose and arm candy while in PS. They don’t mix well with steroids.
CNY1983
if it was due to steroids and other drugs i would hope they be honest so it can send a message to others in the same boat.
Joseph1971
It’s easy to speculate. Steroids? Sure. Recreational drugs (meth)? Probably.
The problem with situations like this, and it is very sad, is that his passing will move through the gay news cycle and there will be little follow up.
We have to respect an individual’s right to privacy. However it might do the community some good if they actually released the exact cause of death as a cautionary tale to other gay men.
Bromancer7
Meth + steroids, not a good combo.
lewval
I live in Palm Springs and never heard of him. Sad.
RyanMBecker
I’ve never heard of him despite my [academic] research on gay porn. And I don’t find either of them particularly attractive. I’m not even gay. BUT …
I wept when I read that tribute. The end, where he thanked Eric’s mother, was especially affecting. It’s heartening that they shared such a warm relationship.