Ed Piskor, a well-known comic artist from Munhall, has passed away at the age of 41. His death comes after he was recently involved in controversy surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct. The Savolskis-Wasik-Glenn Funeral Home of Munhall confirmed his unexpected death on Monday, although no further details about the circumstances were provided. Piskor’s family declined to comment, but his sister, Justine Cleaves, shared on Facebook earlier in the day: “It is with the most broken heart that I share my big brother, Ed, has passed away today. Please just keep our family in your prayers as this is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to go through.”
Piskor was known for his work on comic book franchises such as “American Splendor” and “X-Men”
Piskor was known for his work on comic book franchises such as “American Splendor” and “X-Men.” He received an Eisner Award for his series “Hip-Hop Family Tree,” which chronicles the history of hip-hop culture. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust recently postponed Piskor’s exhibition at 707 Penn Gallery after learning of misconduct allegations against him. The exhibition was scheduled to run from April 6 through August 25. Last month, a woman accused Piskor on Instagram of making advances toward her in 2020 when she was 17, alleging that he attempted to “groom” her by asking her age and inviting her to stay with him. Piskor was not charged with a crime. Earlier on Monday, Piskor posted on social media, expressing pain over the allegations. He wrote, “I’m helpless against a mob of this magnitude” and “Sayonara,” Japanese for goodbye.
“Now it’s all gone. Art show evaporated,” wrote Piskor. “… I have no friends in this life any longer. I was a disappointment to everybody who liked me. I’m a pariah.” The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust said in a statement, “we are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Our thoughts are with Ed’s family and friends at this difficult time.” Piskor is survived by his parents, three siblings, and four nieces and nephews.