'Falling Man' artist Trova dead at 82

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo., March 14 (UPI) -- Artist Ernest Trova, known for his "Falling Man" creation, has died in Richmond Heights, Mo., at the age of 82, his son Ernest says.

Trova's "Falling Man" humanoid appeared in several of his paintings and sculptures starting in the 1960s as part of the Pop Art movement. Trova used the figure to represent humanity moving into the future despite its imperfections.

Matthew Strauss, operator of St. Louis' White Flag Projects gallery, said the humanoid invention was as vital to Trova, who died Sunday of congestive heart failure, as Mickey Mouse was to Walt Disney, The New York Times reported Saturday.

"'Falling Man' was to Ernie as Mickey was to Disney," Strauss told the Times, "a standard character he could amend for his own purposes, but that would still retain its essence."

The newspaper said in addition to his son, Trova is survived by his daughter, Tristan Rand Rivas, a stepdaughter and two grandchildren.