Back in July this year, Kazuki Takahashi – creator of the ever popular YuGiOh series had passed away where his death was determined to be caused by drowning, but it was until recently from a U.S. military’s newspaper that reported provided more details behind his unfortunate passing.

In this report from Stars and Stripes, it reports that U.S. Army Officer Maj. Robert Bourgeau had been recognised for rescuing three civilians from a riptide at Mermaid’s Grotto in Onna, Okinawa, a famous dive spot for locals and tourists alike.

Bourgeau reportedly spotted a Japanese woman who at the time was calling out for help as she pointed towards her daughter and a U.S. soldier who were trapped in a riptide about 100 yards (Approx 91.44 meters) from shore. Bourgeau, was able to bring both civilians to shore, and then directed the US soldier to safety as well.

Unbeknownst to Bourgeau however, Kazuki Takahashi had attempted to aid with the rescue before being caught in a riptide himself based on several sworn witness statements provided by the Army. “He’s a hero,” Bourgeau said of Takahashi. “He died trying to save someone else.” 

According to a spokesperson for the Japan Coast Guard, Takahashi’s body was found two days later, approximately 1,000 feet offshore in Awa, Nago city. It was until later that Takahashi’s rental car was found at Mermaid’s Grotto.