Kazuki Takahashi, the creator of Yu-Gi-Oh!, died in early July. Initial reports said his body had been found off the coast of Nago City in Okinawa wearing snorkeling gear including a mask and fins. Authorities reported he'd already been dead for two days, although the cause of death wasn't released.Several months later, we now have the full story courtesy of Stars and Stripes (via Anime News and Facts), the official news of the US military. According to several eyewitnesses, Takahashi died while attempting to save three people caught in a riptide at a popular diving spot in Okinawa.The incident occurred on July 4. Diving instructor Major Robert Bourgeau was at Mermaid's Grotto in Onna with several students when the group spotted three people caught in a riptide. Bourgeau told Stars and Stripes that he first spotted a mother calling for help for her daughter, as well as another US soldier caught up in the whirlpool.
"I grabbed mom and I grabbed [the girl] and I just kicked for all life," said Bourgeau. His actions have earned him a nomination for a Soldier’s Medal, which recognizes heroism outside a military conflict. The third man managed to make it back to shore with some direction from Bourgeau and his students.
At some point, Takahashi attempted to aid in the rescue by donning snorkeling gear. Bourgeau said he never saw Takahashi get into the water, but his students said that Takahashi was also trying to help, putting himself in grave danger to do so.
"He's a hero," Bourgeau said of Takahashi. "He died trying to save someone else."
In addition to sworn statements from eyewitnesses, local authorities also found Takahashi’s rental car near the dive spot.