Some losses hit harder than others. This one? It’s a gut punch. The kind that knocks the air right out of you. Tim Kruger (Marcel Bonn to those who knew him best) was more than just a legend in the adult industry. He was a trailblazer, a powerhouse, and, above all, a genuinely kind soul. And now, at just 44, he’s gone, leaving behind a partner, friends, an industry and a community that adored him.

The news came from the person closest to him, the one who shared his life for over 20 years. No scandals, no speculation, just a tragic accident at home that stole him away too soon. And while it’s natural to search for explanations, the truth is painfully simple: Life can be cruelly unpredictable.

For those of us who followed his career, Tim was unforgettable. That signature ginger hair, that infectious confidence, the way he owned every scene he was in … he was impossible to ignore. But more than that, he built something lasting. When he and his longtime partner Grobes Geraet launched TimTales in 2009, they weren’t just making porn; they were creating a space for authentic, raw, and unapologetically queer sexuality; and it worked. TimTales became one of the most recognized names in the industry, and that was all him: His vision, his drive, his passion.

Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, Tim took an unconventional path into the industry. After working in a Berlin porn shop in the early 2000s, he made the leap in 2006, bringing with him not just a striking presence but a business savvy that would set him apart. He wasn’t just a performer; he was a pioneer. His scenes weren’t scripted performances, they were moments of real connection, real desire. And that’s what made people love him.

His loss has sent shockwaves through the industry. Fellow performers, fans, and colleagues have flooded social media with tributes. Rhyheim Shabazz called him a “legend,” while Sir Peter remembered him as an “incredibly sweet and caring human.” Legrand Wolf spoke about how Tim’s work helped him embrace himself without shame. And then there are those like Luciano and Matthew Ellis, who credit Tim with giving them their start and changing their lives. That’s the thing about Tim, he didn’t just create content; he created opportunities, he created connections, he created a legacy.

It’s hard to imagine an industry without him. It’s hard to imagine not seeing that smirk, that confidence, that undeniable magnetism. But if there’s one thing Tim taught us, it’s that true impact doesn’t disappear, it lingers, it inspires, it lives on.

Rest easy, Tim. You were one of a kind, and we’ll miss you more than words can say.