Colton Ford, Gone at 62

Beloved adult performer and singer Colton Ford was reportedly killed in a hiking accident in Palm Springs last weekend. Details are scant, but the tragedy was confirmed by drag icon Chi Chi LaRue and friend Tim Wood, each of whom posted the news on Facebook.

"He was a brilliant artist who always kept a song in his heart," Wood posted on May 20. "Sweet, funny, kind, sassy - and hopelessly handsome."

"My heart is broken - it's almost too much to take," Wood's post continued. "One of my best friends, a man who helped save my life many years ago."

"I miss you terribly.........I can't stop the flood of tears. Sing with the angels, my beautiful, special soul. I love you. ❤😔"

"Im So Shocked and Saddened to Hear and Report the sudden passing of my friend and Icon Glen aka Colton Ford!" LaRue posted on the same day. "You will missed!"

"Keep Singing In Heaven! 😢😢😢"

Another colleague, porn star Dallas Steel, posted his thoughts and recollections on Instagram, writing, "Glenn was such an amazing spirit. Always thinking about what he planned to do next. Always optimistic about the possibilities. I will miss him and his great smile."

Ford - whose real name was Glenn Soukesian - began his career as an adult film star at the age of 40, quickly making a name for himself when he was named Performer of the Year at the 2003 Gay VN Awards. He attracted a devoted following over the next two decades.

"Outside of his work in gay porn Ford has also starred in the TV series 'The Lair,' worked as a singer/song writer and also worked as a theatre performer," reported Australian newspaper the Star Observer.

"His career has seen him work with some of the biggest names in the adult industry," the writeup added, "including Falcon Studios, MRS Releasing, RawFuckClub, All Worlds, and Mustang."

Soap Central recalled that Ford had "also appeared in mainstream roles" in productions that included "Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!," "Circuit," and "The Next Best Thing."

"As a singer-songwriter, Ford released several albums and singles, including 'Tug of War' (2008), 'Under the Covers' (2009), 'The Way I Am' (2013), and the 'Next Chapter' EP (2015)," WeHo Times recalled. "He collaborated with major artists like Frankie Knuckles and Cyndi Lauper, and his music has charted on Billboard's dance charts."

"Ford also performed in theater, making his off-Broadway debut in 'Little House on the Ferry' (2011) and later starring in 'And All The Dead, Lie Down' (2014) in Los Angeles," the newspaper added.

Soap Central noted that the prolific singer-songwriter had spoken of a new album, titled "Permission," for which he said he had "recorded around 20 tracks."

Colleagues, friends, and fans took to social media to express their shock and grief.

"Not Colton Ford!" one person responded to a tweet announcing the sad news. "Man, what an absolute legend in the industry.... 💔💔💔"

Responded another: "That's so heartbreaking, he was one of my biggest porn star crushes, and I absolutely loved his music. R.I.P to such a talented , beautiful, and extremely sexy human being, he will be deeply missed. 😢😢😢"