Facebook is all aflutter about the news that Falcon Exclusive Erik Rhodes died last night in his sleep. Though it’s a shock to us all, it is not unexpected. Erik (real name James) battled with depression and self-medicated with steroids and crystal meth, all the while keeping nothing secret.

I met Erik many times and he knew me well enough to have a little chat with me each time.  I read his very personal (and often TMI) blog posts, and heard him as a guest on Sirius Radio’s Derek and Romaine Show often, and he used both those mediums more for therapy than publicity. He didn’t really need publicity, people were drawn to him merely because of his good looks and imposing physique, plus as a Falcon Exclusive, he had a publicity machine working for him.

His last blog posting was only four days ago where he listed his steroid cycle,

“My cycle right now … 3000 mg of Test Enanthate a week, 2500 mg of Nandrolone Decaonate and 300 mg of Trenbolone Acetate. With 5iu of Human Growth Hormone everyday,”Rhodesreplied. “I’m waiting until I pop. Or my liver fails … which ever comes first.”

His blog posts and particularly his radio appearances described many drug related arrests and hospitalizations, but he somehow managed to still look good. I last saw him in April working out at Gold’s Gym while filming for Raging Stallion and I purposely checked for signs of drug deterioration, but miraculously saw none.

Coincidentally, just last week I started to re-read the book about Joey Stefano, another porn star that died of drug problems at a young age. Though Joey Stefano died way back in 1994, an ad debuted in today’s Bay Area Reporter for a 976 number where fans of Joey Stefano can leave voicemail tributes to the fallen porn icon.

Frankly, I fully expected him to die young, but I would have predicted that he would have taken his own life after seeing his first grey hair or first sign of love handles. I kind of hoped he’d take a few years off then come back with chest hair, beard and a few extra pounds to re-invent himself as a bear model.

Erik Rhodes, was a bright guy, though his rebellious nature excluded schooling. I often wished I could talk some sense into him, and at the same time thought his brash, self-destructive image was merely an act. We’ll never know.

The rest is here: Erik Rhodes Dead At 30