Alleged new details have revealed that Yu-Gi-Oh! creator Kazuki Takahashi died a heroic death.
The founder of the iconic manga series was found dead over the summer in the sea near Nago, Japan. He was just 60 years old.
While Takahashi's death was originally shrouded in mystery, a report by IGN has revealed that he leaped into the turbulent waters to save three other people from a riptide.
The report detailed how, on July 4, Takahashi saw US Army officer Maj. Robert Bourgeau trying to rescue an endangered trio from rough waves at a popular dive spot.
Several witnesses claim that the manga artist rushed to help - though it wasn't long before he himself disappeared beneath the waves.
Two days later, Takahashi's body was found 1,000 feet offshore.
It took several months before Bourgeau was recognized for his part in the rescue - and before the US officer realized that Takahashi had been in the water with them.
Speaking to Stars and Stripes magazine, Bourgeau said that the artist had died a hero's death. "He's a hero. He died trying to save someone else," he told the outlet.
Bourgeau went on to describe how the tragic incident unfurled from his perspective, saying he first got involved when he saw a Japanese woman shouting for help. Her 11-year-old daughter had been trapped in a rip current around 100 yards offshore, as had a 39-year-old US soldier.
With six-foot waves looming, Bourgeau wasted no time in rushing to help the stranded swimmers. "I grabbed mom and I grabbed [the girl] and I just kicked for all life," he recalled, before describing how he directed the US soldier out of danger.
Unfortunately, Bourgeau did not notice that Takahashi too had rushed to the divers' aid - and been swept out to sea.
Per public broadcaster NHK, Takahashi's floating body was reported to the Japan Coast Guard several days later. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A rental car attributed to the manga artist was later found near the beach in Onna village where he went missing.
Takahashi is perhaps best known for being the creator of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, which debuted in Shonen Jump magazine back in 1996.
Since then, it spawned a television show, movies, video games, merchandise, and the insanely popular Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game. The Independent reports that the number of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards in the world is well into the billions.