On March 5, former Playgirl model, Dirk Shafer, was found dead in his car in West Hollywood.

 

A coroner has finally released his report, explaining that Shafer suffered from hypertensive cardiovascular disease. He added that drugs - including meth and cocaine -  were partially responsible for the death. Both drugs were found in the 52-year-old's system.

 

Shafer obtained a small level of fame after being named Playgirl's man of the year in 1992. He even returned to the pages in 2012 for a 20th anniversary photo spread.

 

In 1995, he wrote, directed and starred in Man of the Year, a semi-true mockumentary about being a gay Playgirl centerfold and how shocked female fans were when they found out. He later directed Circuit, a documentary on the gay club scene.

 

He even appeared in an episode of Will & Grace as a gay man named Blaze. When not acting or appearing in front of the camera naked, Shafer was a certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer.

Sadly, an otherwise healthy man was struck down much too early by a bad heart and drug use. A true shame. He was buried last month at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It was a quiet ceremony, attended by family and close friends.

 

 

Cocaine, meth blamed in ex-centerfold's death in West Hollywood [LA Times]