Tragedy Strikes at Annecy Festival
Luis de la Rosa, a 34-year-old Mexican animator known for his work on “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” died after being struck by a train near the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, according to the Léman Express regional rail service. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday near a bypass road adjacent to railway tracks, as reported by the Daily Mail. De la Rosa, who was wearing a festival accreditation, was reportedly near the tracks when the train approached. The conductor sounded the horn to alert him, but the collision resulted in fatal injuries, according to emergency responders.
Festival Condemns ‘Tragic’ Death
The Léman Express service confirmed that its driver contacted emergency services following the incident. Medical teams at the scene were unable to revive de la Rosa, who was identified as a participant in the festival with his project “Ash Raider World.” The Annecy International Animation Film Festival issued a statement describing his death as “tragic” and announced that director Marcel Jean would address the matter during the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday.
Animator’s Career Spanned International Collaborations
De la Rosa, born in Mexico, studied animation in Vancouver, Canada, and worked on films including “My Little Pony: The Movie.” His career spanned collaborations with international studios, though specific details about his role in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” were not immediately disclosed. The police have initiated an investigation to determine the precise circumstances of the collision, including whether safety protocols were violated. No further details about the probe were released as of Thursday.
Investigation Launched into Collision Circumstances
The festival, which attracts animators and industry professionals globally, has not commented on whether safety measures near the tracks will be reviewed. De la Rosa’s death has prompted discussions among attendees about risk management at outdoor events near transportation infrastructure. A spokesperson for the festival emphasized that “the focus remains on supporting de la Rosa’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.”
