Gay Porn Blog reports: Disturbing news that we’ve lost another gay porn star. Although details are sketchy at this point, former Rascal Exclusive Cole Ryder died of a staph infection in his sleep

Update: Cause of death remains unknown, is pending results of an autopsy.

One of the first of a crop of more-masculine and hairy studio exclusives, Cole was signed by Rascal in 2006, where he went on to appear in Link: The Evolution, When Bears Attack, and others. He appeared on the cover of the October 2006 issue of Unzipped and the cover of Leather Sessions.

Channel 1 also released the Cole Ryder Cock, a dildo molded off him. After Rascal, he appeared in Cruising Ground for Mustang.

Update: Fleshbot notes that Cole’s Myspace profile update from reads: COLE RYDER has left the building.

Update: Chi Chi LaRue sent over the following statement:

Cole Ryder was a beautiful person on the inside and the outside! He had such a great manly appeal and the heart of a gentle giant. Cole was always such a pleasure to work with and I’m deeply saddened by his passing. I can only wish now that he is in peace and he will always have a special place in my heart and the C1R Family.