Jay Hefner, a rising adult film star who gained prominence with performances for notable studios such as Vixen and Brazzers, was shot and killed early Sunday morning in Nebraska. He was 24.
Multiple news outlets reported that Hefner was shot during an altercation at approximately 1:30 a.m. in downtown Lincoln. Social media posts suggest that Hefner— in town for a birthday party—was attempting to break up a fight involving his cousin.
Hefner’s death left the adult community reeling as news of the tragedy began to circulate Sunday afternoon, with an outpouring of heartfelt reactions from colleagues and fans alike.
Hefner leaves behind a 10-month-old daughter. He was also raising his young sister while caring for his mother, who is battling cancer.
Adult performer and Brazzers director Ricky Johnson told PornCrush he learned of Hefner’s death Sunday around 2 p.m. PT after his flight from Amsterdam touched down in Los Angeles.
Johnson said Hefner was scheduled to work for him in a Brazzers scene on Monday.
“I had a ton of messages as soon as I landed,” Johnson told PornCrush. “He was someone who was going to be a legend in the game, someone who was going to be there for a long time.
“I had big plans for the guy. I wanted to help facilitate the career that I knew he could have.”
Melissa Stratton, a frequent co-star close friend of Hefner, described him as having "a star quality." She highlighted how he could captivate a room and how he was a perfectionist when it came to his work.
"If you were a girl, you loved Jay, and if you were a guy, you hated him, because he was just so pretty,” Stratton told PornCrush “He looked better than everyone else and he performed better than anyone else in the room.”
Stratton shared a touching memory from a collab shoot with Hefner and performer Tru Kait. Before they started filming, Hefner revealed he was expecting a child.
"He couldn’t keep the grin off his face... He was so excited," she said. "I loved seeing him as a dad, because he really was a softie for his family.”
Stratton was hardly surprised to hear that Hefner’s death came as he was defending his cousin, as his love for his family was at the core of who he was.
"What an unnecessary thing to happen,” Stratton said. “What an awful way to go.”
Johnson agreed, adding that Hefner was a favorite among female performers, not just because of his striking good looks, but because of his professionalism.
“All of the girls were super-excited to work with him,” Johnson said. “He was an excellent performer, but he was quiet and kept to himself. There was no drama. He came to set and did his job and left. Everything he was doing, he was doing for his family. You could tell with him that it was going to be all about business. “
Performer Anna Claire Clouds told PornCrush that, as good of a performer as Hefner was, he was an even better human being.
“Jay was truly one of a kind,” Clouds said. “To know him was to adore him. He was really just that likable as a person.”
Hefner’s death marks the third within the adult entertainment industry in just 10 days. Beloved production assistant and roadie Payaso succumbed to cancer Aug. 30, and renowned creative artist Nusi Quero committed suicide Sept. 3.
Kazumi, who collaborated with Hefner frequently, shared an emotional tribute on social media.
"I miss you more than words can ever express. You were not only handsome, but so driven, SO fucking funny, and so kind," she tweeted. Kazumi recalled their first collaboration, where Hefner was eager to learn and improve.
"You were focused and driven to change your life, and you were doing it … I’m going to really miss you, brother.”
A GoFundMe page—launched to help Hefner’s family with funeral costs and other expenses—had raised more than $20,000 as of Sunday afternoon. To donate, click here.
