Dragonball creator Akira Toriyama dead at 68

Arguably the most popular mangaka Akira Toriyama has died. He was 68.

Akira Toriyama, Goku, and Arale

RIP Akira-san

According to the official Dragon Ball website, Akira-san died due to acute subdural hematoma.

A quick Google Search says that acute subdural hematoma means "a clot of blood that develops between the surface of the brain and the dura mater, the brain's tough outer covering, usually due to stretching and tearing of veins on the brain's surface'.

Dear Friends and Partners,

We are deeply saddened to inform you that manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma. He was in age of 68. 

It's our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve. However, he had left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.

We inform you of this sad news, with gratefulness for your kindness during his lifetime. 

Funeral service was held with his family and very few relatives. Following his wishes for tranquility, we respectfully inform you that we would not accept flowers, condolences gifts, visiting, offerings and others. Also, we ask you to refrain from conduction interviews with his family.

Future plans for a commemorative gathering is not decided, we will let you know when it's confirmed. We deeply thank you for your understanding and support as always.

Akira Toriyama first achieved mainstream success with his popular manga series Dr. Slump, which sold over 35 million copies. He also created Dragon Ball, arguably the most popular manga and anime of all time, selling 260 million copies worldwide.

Also, numerous artists have cited Akira Toriyama and his iconic work, Dragon Ball, as significant influences. Notable names include Eiichiro Oda (author of One Piece), Masashi Kishimoto (creator of Naruto), Hiro Mashima (author of Fairy Tail and Rave), Tite Kubo (creator of Bleach), among others.

Rest in peace, Akira-san. Thank you, for making our childhood and even adulthood awesome.

Source: Dragon Ball, Via: ComicBook