In July, the world learned of the sad death of Kazuki Takahashithe creator of Yu-Gi-Oh! At the time, officials recorded his death as a drowning, but a recent report by the US military newspaper provided some additional details not known at the time.
One story further Stars & Stripesthe Department of Defense’s own intelligence service, reports
The officer, 49-year-old Major Robert Bourgeau, was recommended for a soldier’s medal for his July 4 actions, which took place at the Mermaid Grotto in Onna village, Okinawa. Bourgeau reportedly spotted three swimmers — two Japanese civilians and another US soldier — struggling in a dangerous current and, “still wearing his running shoes,” ran out to rescue them.
That S&S report says that while the spring tide was dangerous enough on its own, two-meter waves crashing in between quickly created a whirlpool effect that began sucking stranded swimmers.
Bourgeau – a trained diving instructor – was able to bring both civilians ashore and then also bring the US soldier to safety. However, during the rescue, “several sworn army testimonies” said Takahashi also stepped in to help, but onlookers “only caught a glimpse of him until he disappeared beneath the waves.”
“He’s a hero,” Bourgeau said Stars & Stripes. “He died trying to save someone else.”
Takahashi’s body was found by the Japanesese Coast Guard the next day Swim off the coast of Nago, a city in northern Okinawa. His car was later discovered parked by the Mermaid Grotto.
