Los Angeles, CA – The adult entertainment world lost a towering figure and a true pioneer this weekend. Tim Kruger, the charismatic gay adult film icon and founder of the groundbreaking TimTales studio, has died at age 44. Known to fans as the “ultimate ginger pornstar,” Kruger – whose legal name was Marcel Bonn – passed away on March 1, 2025, following a “tragic, yet simple accident” at his home in Mallorca, Spain. The news, shared via an emotional post on TimTales’ official blog and X account, has left fans, collaborators, and the LGBTQ+ community reeling, with tributes pouring in from around the globe.

The announcement, penned by Kruger’s longtime partner Grobes Geraet – his collaborator of over 20 years – was raw and unflinching. “To the public, he was the ultimate ginger pornstar; to me, he was a sweet, caring partner… my best friend,” it read. Geraet emphasized there was no foul play, drugs, or suicide involved, aiming to quash the stigma often attached to deaths in the porn industry. “Tim’s death was a tragic, yet simple accident at home,” the post clarified, asking for privacy amid the grief. Kruger’s vibrant online presence – with 500K+ followers on X and Instagram – amplified the shock, as fans flooded timelines with heartbroken emojis and memories of his infectious energy.

Born January 25, 1981, in Düsseldorf, Germany, Bonn entered the adult film scene in 2006 as Tim Kruger, quickly becoming a sensation for his rugged charm, 6’7″ frame, and unapologetic passion. He starred in over 100 scenes for studios like Raging Stallion and Cazzo, earning nominations for four GayVN Awards, four HustlaBall Awards, seven Prowler European Porn Awards, eight Cybersocket Web Awards, nine XBIZ Europa Awards, and fifteen Grabby Awards, winning two HustlaBalls (2015, 2016), one Prowler (2019), and one Grabby (2024). In 2009, he co-founded TimTales in Berlin with Geraet, transforming it into one of gay porn’s biggest platforms, known for raw, ethical content that celebrated diverse bodies and consent. “What you see on TimTales is the real me,” Kruger once said. “I like having sex and showing it.”

His impact? Seismic. As a pioneer, Kruger normalized visibility in an industry long plagued by stigma, blending amateur authenticity with professional polish. “Tim gave us permission to be unashamed,” tweeted filmmaker Bruce LaBruce, a friend since 2007. Tributes from peers like François Sagat and Titan Men poured in: “A gentle giant who changed the game.” Fans mourned: “From screen to soul – rest, king.” #RIPTimKruger trended with 2.1 million posts, montages of his iconic scenes synced to Queen’s “Who Wants to Live Forever.”

Kruger’s legacy? Unfading. TimTales continues, donating proceeds to LGBTQ+ causes. Geraet vowed: “His light lives on.” In a world quick to judge, Tim was unapologetic joy. One tweet sums the sorrow: “He showed us beauty in vulnerability – gone too soon.” The beautiful art of adult cinema bows to a true trailblazer.