Adult film star Christian Styles, whose real name was Zachary Jaghab, has died at the age of 29, his family confirmed. The Wayne County Medical Examiner told People magazine on Monday that Jaghab died on August 20, but did not release further details on the cause of death.
Jaghab's family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover his funeral expenses, describing his death as "a sudden and heartbreaking loss." They remembered him as a "cherished youngest son" to parents Johnny and Ellen, as well as a "beloved brother" and "adored uncle."
Rise to fame in adult entertainment
Jaghab, who performed under the name Christian Styles, was one of the biggest stars in gay adult entertainment, amassing more than one million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter. In 2023, he won a fan-voted GayVN Award for Favorite All-Male Creator Collab alongside fellow performer Chris Damned. He last logged into his OnlyFans account on August 18, two days before he died.
Family's tribute and fundraiser
"This unimaginable loss has left a beautiful Canton family grieving the passing of someone deeply loved," Jaghab's family wrote on the GoFundMe page. They added that his parents, Johnny and Ellen, are "also carrying their own serious health struggles, including cancer, making this season even more overwhelming."
"The funds raised will go toward Zack's funeral and burial expenses so his family can give him the proper farewell he deserves without the added weight of financial stress," the family wrote. The campaign has so far raised more than $7,000 of its $20,000 goal.
Latest in a string of industry deaths
Jaghab's death is the latest in a growing number of gay male porn stars to die over the past year. In June, retired performer Dale Savage died of a stroke at 62. Savage identified as pansexual and worked with male, female and transsexual partners throughout his career.
In December, gay porn star Lane Rogers, who performed as Blake Mitchell, died in a motorcycle accident at 31. In March, performer Seth Peterson died suddenly at his Los Angeles home at 28. His cause of death was not made public, though TMZ reported that his mother feared it may have been a drug overdose.
More performers lost this year
In May, Glenn Soukesian, who performed as Colton Ford, was found dead at 62. According to the Bay Area Reporter, his body was discovered near a hiking trail in Palm Springs, California. His death was later ruled an accidental overdose of MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly.
Last year, gay porn's biggest star, Tim Kruger, real name Marcel Bonn, died at 44 following what was described as a "simple accident" at his home. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share the news of the passing of our beloved Marcel, the man you all knew and loved as Tim Kruger," his longtime partner, Grobes Geraet, said in a statement.
Before that, bodybuilder and performer Damien Stone died unexpectedly at 32 due to complications from an enlarged heart. The Moldovan-born star was known for his versatility on camera, filming scenes with men, women and transgender women.
