Porn Star, Alex Riley’s Death At 22 Years Of Age Rocks The Adult Film Industry

Friends, fans and fellow gay adult industry insiders of Alex Riley were stunned to learn this week about the young performer’s death.

The award-winning performer reportedly passed away at the age of 22. By all accounts, Riley was beloved within the gay adult industry, winning awards at multiple events including GayVN’s Best Newcomer in 2020.

Close friends of Riley, including his longtime boyfriend and fellow performer Jacob Hansen, began posting on social media about his passing late Wednesday night, and tributes have continued to pour in all morning. Riley’s cause of death has not yet been made public.

His boyfriend, Hansen shared photos of the couple and expressed his love, writing, “To all of Alex’s friends and fans.. On Monday I got a phone call from Alex’s best friend that Alex passed away early Sunday Morning. Rest In peace babe you will always be part of me no matter where my life takes me.”

To all of Alex’s friends and fans.. on Monday I got a phone call from Alex’s best friend that Alex passed away early Sunday Morning. Rest In peace babe you will always be part of me no matter where my life takes me. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wFK7Imkk6v

— Jacob Hansen (@JacobHansenXXX) May 13, 2021

In a subsequent post, he wrote: “You are my dearest friend, my deepest love. You are the very best of me. I know you’ll always be right next to me until we see each other again.”

You are my dearest friend, my deepest love. You are the very best of me. I know you’ll always be right next to me until we see each other again. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8J3cExQwO1

— Jacob Hansen (@JacobHansenXXX) May 13, 2021

In a statement from Helix Studios—where Riley has been performing exclusively since 2019—the studio wrote, “We are heartbroken over the loss of Alex Riley. One of the most vibrant and talented young performers we’ve ever had the privilege to work with. Please respect his family’s privacy during this devastatingly difficult time. We love you, rest in peace Alex.”

Other performers have also reacted to the news of the model’s untimely passing:

It's hard to believe you're gone💔 saying that the past couple of days has been hard is an understatement. You had so much life left to live and so many more smiles to give people. I'm gonna miss your stupid humor, even your god awful British accent. Always loved, never forgotten pic.twitter.com/gssxMyfWot

— Calvin T. Banks💰 (@CalvinBanksxxx) May 13, 2021

@alexrileyxxx I can’t believe you are gone sir this just isn’t right nor fair!! You where such a good kid and friend like why did the world do this to you?!?!❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/v7hgs0SkU2

— Andy Taylor (@Andy_Taylorxxx) May 13, 2021

💔 RIP to THE kindest soul. Alex always lit up whatever room he walked into. He was a concentrated ball of energy, love, excitement, care, & happiness. U respected everyone & effortlessly put smiles on the faces of all around U. May ur light show u the beauties beyond this world pic.twitter.com/CEhTJYPP6V

— Hayden Lee (@HaydenxLee) May 13, 2021

I will never believe this is real.. this boy is indescribable in the best way and was unlike anyone I had ever met. Thank you for the many unforgettable memories, Alex. I love you so much and fully expect you to have a margarita ready for me the next time I see you. Until then❤️ pic.twitter.com/3KAyx4b7GQ

— Trevor Harris (@TrevorHarrisXXX) May 13, 2021

It’s a sad day. You were nothing but smiles and positivity with energy that would light up any room. Rest easy, my friend @alexrileyxxx 😔💔 pic.twitter.com/xXO7jXVRoy

— Austin Wilde (@AustinWilde) May 13, 2021

I’ll be thinking of you for a while buddy. The only person I truly felt radiated the color yellow: joy, happiness, and light. 🤞🏼💕 Thanks for your existence. pic.twitter.com/d9Yk9Hheyf

— garrett (@ariesking666) May 13, 2021

i have no words to describe the pain i feel inside. alex was not only my friend, i considered him my brother. he brought out a joy in me that no one else could. he was the most beautiful soul i knew. i had a bond with him i will cherish for the rest of my life. i love you, alex. pic.twitter.com/87cxgliqNK

— Kane Fox 🦊 (@KaneFoxxx) May 13, 2021

you were the happiest person i have ever met. you lit up every room you were in and never failed to make everyone smile. you were my favorite person in the whole world. i promise to try to live the rest of my life being half the person you were, my friend. i love you, brother.

— Kane Fox 🦊 (@KaneFoxxx) May 13, 2021

Before joining Helix in 2019, Riley performed in scenes at Men, FraternityX, RealityDudes, and NextDoor. Riley was nominated as Best Newcomer at the 2020 Str8UpGayPorn Awards, and he went on to win GayVN’s Best Newcomer award at their ceremony.

Last December, fans voted overwhelmingly to name Riley the winner of best “Fantasy Boyfriend,” earning him a Str8UpGayPorn award.