UPDATE: Michael Davis is alive and well. After news swiftly made the rounds on social media early Monday, April 29, tributes were pouring out for the co-founder of Milestone Media. A statement on Facebook came from a “family member” and said that Davis “took his life early this morning.” However, according to Bleeding Cool, Davis’ social media accounts were hacked and the person who gained access posed as a family member.
Davis reportedly called Rich Johnston to confirm he is alive.
Per the report, Davis is “in contact with the authorities but has no access to any of his social media or his old e-mail addresses.”
Original Story: Michael Davis, a co-founder of Milestone Media, died early Monday, April 29, according to a post on his Facebook page. Davis’ family confirmed the news which immediately sent shockwaves through the comic book world.
Davis co-founded Milestone Media in 1992 alongside Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle. Milestone comics included Blood Syndicate, Hardware, Icon, and Static. The comics were published through a merger deal with DC Comics.
“It is with much sadness we’re sharing this, my cousin, Michael Davis took his life early this morning,” the post on Davis’ Facebook page read. “Details about services are forthcoming. Michael was in constant pain bodily and mentally. We hope he is finally at peace.”
In the past, Davis had been open about his struggles with depression.
Davis, who was also the former president and CEO of Motown Animation & Filmworks at Motown Records, took his life one day before his birthday.
All of the information we know about Davis’ passing can be seen below.
Michael Davis Cause of Death: Suicide
Davis’ family confirmed in a Facebook post that the comic book legend took his own life on Monday, April 29. While details surrounding his death are slim, his family did confirm that Davis committed suicide.
Our deepest condolences are with Davis’ family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.