July 7 (UPI) -- Yu-Gi-Oh! creator Kazuki Takahashi has died.
Takahashi, a Japanese author and illustrator, was found dead Wednesday in Japan, the New York Times reported Thursday. He was 60 years old.
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Kazuki Takahashi, the author and illustrator of the "Yu-Gi-Oh!" manga series, was found dead Wednesday in Japan. Photo courtesy of Pixnio
Takahashi's body was discovered floating off the coast of Nago in Okinawa Prefecture. Takahashi was reportedly traveling alone in Nago, a popular vacation destination, and died during an apparent snorkeling trip.
The Japan Times said Takahashi was found wearing a T-shirt and an underwater mask, snorkel and fins.
The author and illustrator had no noticeable signs of injury and an investigation into the cause of death is underway, according to Variety.
Takahashi started as a manga artist in the early 1980s and found success following the debut of Yu-Gi-Oh! in 1996. The series follows a boy, Yugi Mutou, who becomes possessed by a mysterious spirit who challenges enemies in a series of games.
The Yu-Gi-Oh! manga series spawned a successful franchise that includes a trading card game published by Konami, anime series and video games.
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Anita Pointer of the Grammy-winning Pointer Sisters stands with Andy Madadian (C) and La Toya Jackson (L) as Madadian is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020. Pointer, who performed alongside her sisters June and Ruth, died at the age of 74 on December 31 following a battle with cancer. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
