Kazuki Takahashi (open in new tab), author of Yu-Gi-Oh (open in new tab), who was reported dead in July, died while attempting to assist in the rescue of three people caught in a rip current at a popular diving spot in waters near Okinawa, according to the US military.

According to a report published by the U.S. military news website Stars and Stripes (opens in new tab), the incident occurred on July 4. Major Robert Bourgeault, a scuba instructor with the 10th Support Group at Torii Air Base, found a woman seeking help for her 11-year-old daughter and a U.S. soldier; the two appeared to have been caught in a rip current while snorkeling about 100 meters from shore. [He was able to rescue the daughter and her mother, who had also been pulled into the current, but the soldier eventually made it to shore on his own.

"It was really, really rough," Bourgeault said.

Somewhere in between, 60-year-old Takahashi entered the water to aid in the rescue. Bourgeault did not see the Yugioh author, but his students said they saw him several times until he disappeared underwater. The Japanese Coast Guard did not confirm this report, but according to Stars and Stripes, Takahashi's actions were detailed in "multiple sworn witness statements provided by the Army."

"He's a hero," Bourgeault said. 'He died trying to save someone.'

Bourgeault was nominated for the Soldier's Medal (open in new tab) for his role in this rescue.