Spider-Man animator, 34, dies after getting hit by train at film festival

LEAD WITH THE HUMAN ANGLE Luis de la Rosa, a 34-year-old Mexican animator based in Vancouver, had his life cut short in a tragic accident at the Annecy Animation Festival in France. His untimely death has left the animation community reeling, with friends and colleagues taking to social media to express their condolences. De la Rosa was best known for his work on projects such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and My Little Pony: The Movie. He was attending the festival to present his latest project, Ash Raider World, and was pronounced dead on-site after being struck by a train.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, near Avenue Aristide-Briand, where de la Rosa was walking along the train tracks. According to French regional newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré, the fatal collision was reported by the conductor of the Léman Express train at around 8pm. The driver attempted to alert de la Rosa of the approaching train by sounding the horn, but unfortunately, it was too late. Emergency services were dispatched, but de la Rosa was killed instantly. The scene is now fenced off, and a police investigation is ongoing.

The animation community has been quick to express their condolences for de la Rosa's passing. Fellow animator RubberRoss wrote on X, "I met Luis for the first time during this Annecy. Had a nice chat and he gave me one of his beautiful business cards. When I heard the news I was in my hotel and the same card was next to my bed. So sudden and tragic. Way too young. Rest in peace." Another friend, Julia Schoel, added, "He will so dearly missed by so many. Rest in peace Luis." Kevdevz, a friend and former colleague of de la Rosa's from Indie animation studio Glitch, described him as "a wonderful person and an incredibly talented artist."

De la Rosa's passing is a significant loss for the animation industry, which is still reeling from the impact of his work. His contributions to projects like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Space Jam: A New Legacy have left an indelible mark on the world of animation. His untimely death serves as a reminder of the risks that creatives take when pursuing their passion. As the industry mourns the loss of this talented individual, it also acknowledges the sacrifices that many have made in the pursuit of their dreams.

The Annecy Animation Festival is expected to pay tribute to de la Rosa during its closing ceremony this weekend. Annecy Artistic Director Marcel Jean will remember de la Rosa, who was often credited as Luis de la Rosa Obregón in his work. De la Rosa's legacy will live on through his contributions to the world of animation, and his community will continue to celebrate his life and work.

The animation community will continue to mourn the loss of Luis de la Rosa, a talented artist whose life was cut short in a tragic accident. As the industry acknowledges the risks that creatives take, it also celebrates the contributions that individuals like de la Rosa have made to the world of animation. In the coming weeks and months, his friends, colleagues, and fans will continue to share their memories and tributes to this talented individual, ensuring that his legacy lives on.