Alright, now I know for sure this guy died. His name was Joe Ruggiero, I did pirate reenactments with him, and even took part in a Civil War movie with him. He was doing a movie out in California, there was an accident on set. I don't know the particulars, but I got this information from someone I know wouldn't lie to me, someone who's also a friend of Joe's. I have many fond memories blacksmithing with my friend, and I had so much fun dressing as a 17th century pirate and posing for pictures. He was a pirate at heart, and he died doing something he loved. Rest in peace, good friend; May the wind forever be at your back.
You have my condolences for losing a good friend. May his bottle of rum be always full and the wenches always hot in Pirate's Heaven!