The gaming and manga communities are mourning the death of prolific Super Mario artist Kazuki Motoyama.

Motoyama illustrated the fan favorite 1988 Super Mario manga, which ran for 10 years until 1998 in Kodansha’s Comic BomBom magazine, as well as Kinoppe-chan Forever.

His sister, Risa Motoyama, confirmed his death on her Instagram account.

“My brother passed away,” Risa explained on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone who helped me during my life. We apologize for causing you worry. I’ll be back on YouTube once I calm down a bit. I’d appreciate it if you’d wait.”

The exact date or cause of Kazuki Motoyama’s death is unconfirmed. However, his sister Risa’s Instagram post indicates he passed away in October.

He was 69.

Motoyama’s death circulated on social media this week after a viral

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