ROSTAGNO OF DARK STAR GALLERY DEAD
Dark Star Gallery, 207 E. Buffalo St. is closed due to the death of its founder - operator, ceramist Nicholas Rostagno, who was said to be found dead at the site due to an apparent overdose.
A sign on the door of the lower level studio in the Marshall Building mentions the death and advised that further information would be available on the studio's website.
Rostagno, a Waukesha native, served in the Navy in the 1990s and held a BFA from UW Madison, an MFA in ceramics from Sul Ross University in Texas along with other distinctions. He was known for his prolific output and his ceaseless experiments with glazes and other technical pursuits.
Susan Lukas offers a tribute to Rostagno on her blog.
-- Michael Horne
A note from Anthony Rostagno:
Hi Michael,
It's Tony Rostagno and I would just like to update and fill you in on some of the facts related to my brother's death. I personally spoke with Detective Gardner, the investigating officer, and he informed me that no drugs (illegal or prescription) were found on the scene. He further stated that no foul play was suspected and he seemed to die of natural causes.
The detectives conclusions have been further backed up by the medical examiners report. The autopsy showed that the cause of death was coronary heart disease with severe blockage in several arteries.
You and I have been friends for many years, and I would hope that out of respect for our friendship and my family that you would update your article with the facts or remove it.
Respectfully,
Tony
posted by Michael Horne @ 2:34 PM
21 comments
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21 Comments:
is he realy dead..?????????????????/
Your really not being considerate to the friends and family assuming the cause of Nick's death. He was a great friend and will be truly missed.
Dear Anonymous:
This happened right across the street from me. I spoke to numerous people involved who were present at the time. Drugs were found on the scene. Horne
Dear Horne:
Drugs could have been found on the scene but may not have caused his death. They will not know until they get the toxicology report back. Until then I'd wish you'd keep your comments to yourself, unless it's something nice you'd like to say to the family and/or friends of Nick.
I will miss you Nicholas...your reds were the best and your crystalines masteries in chemistry...I hope your restless soul is at peace my kit kat...
That drug comment is really dickish, Mr. Horne.
I'm dealing with the facts, here, Anonymous. You lose a number of things when you die, including the capacity to be harmed by the statements of others, factual or not. Life's tough; death's tougher.
Nick may not be harmed by the statements of others factual or not But his family and friends will.
Nick may have lost the ability to be harmed by statements, however his parents, who have not yet layed him to rest can still be crushed by these comments.
I knew Nick very well for a number of years. The possibility that it was an overdose is a very real one. By trying to "be respectful" of the family, you are perpetuating the "code of silence" that will not help the stigma of drug use.
The fact that he is listed as having "died unexpectedly" is fuel for fodder and rumors. It is very human and expected for those who knew Nick to want information about his death. It is not disrespectful of anyone to be honest about his death... personally, having known Nick and some of the things he suffered in his life, I think he would find it reassuring that we were speaking honestly... he spent many years not being able to be himself without feeling judged. I refuse to carry that into his life.
This is a tragedy. It is not a time for keeping up appearances.
Hey Horne, You are so simple to assume! What you really need to look at is the mirror you perfect person. The people that are no longer with us may not take offense to your judgement, but the loved ones left behind will stand in defense. You will be judged as you judge others. Karma, you suck bad. Enjoy! Geoffrey Decloux (friend of Nick)
I apologize to the Rostagno family for my assumptions. It was not meant to disparage Nick in any way. Nick was a very accomplished artist, I was happy to know him, and I am sorry to have speculated.
im danielle i am debbie and goeffreys daughter i did not know him personly but i believe that what tony said is the truth and am appauled at what a few of you said
P.S. way to go dad
P.P.S may nick rest in peace
For all who have commented on the way he passed- Nick died of 80% blockage to his heart. The autopsy proved that. Blood tests will not come back for a few weeks, but now you can take your line out of your story. I'm glad you "report" on what you hear from people who don't know Nick or his family or the officers that responded. Get your facts straight. Stick to stories about canvas and pottery. Not about amazing friends who pass to early.
For those of you who never experienced a heart attack let me share with you what I believe happened to Nick. As many of you know Nick's left arm was broken and never set. He did have pain with that arm. In the past few weeks Nick had been complaining about how much his arm was hurting him. He did go to the VA but they assumed the pain was due to the broken arm. Because of Nick's young age and the history of arm pain he was never given any tests to determine if he had any heart issues.
He died due to heart disease!
His death has left a void in my life. He was so talented and full of life. His parents,family and friends are at a lost and in such pain. Your lead comment does nothing but increase their pain.
Why not apologize to Nick's family for your irresponsible comments and delete the word “overdose”. It seems it was apparent to only you. His family and true friends know the truth.
Welsomce to the wonderful world of technology. With a computer and access to the internet, anyone can call themselves a reporter (aka Perez Hilton, etc.). Unfortunately, the very thin lines of responsible reporting have been blurred with this technology and the rush to "report" is only perpetuated by the increase in speed and insatiable desire of misdirected "reporters" who "report" in real time, under the guise of a very noble profession...journalism. What you, Mr. Horne, are is the epitome of irresponsible use of technology and availability of time. You are a "blogger" who is held accountable for none of your actions or statements (true, false or otherwise). It is unfortunate that you have made the irresponsible and inaccurate statements that you have made, leaving the family and friends of Nick Rostagno to deal with the fallout and to defend the very nature of his untimely death. It is not your obligation, nor your responsibility to provide speculation to the entire world regarding the circumstances of Nick's passing. Please respect the memory of Nick and provide the necessary peace of mind to his family and friends by not only removing your original blog, but also by retracting your statements and offering a heartfelt apology to those who remain amongst us and loved Nick the most...his family and friends.
my heart goes out to the Rostagano family. i'm sorry to hear about Nick.
why would any one get their jollies off of reporting on assumed facts? get a life
In defense of the reporter here, the words "who was said to be" and "apparent" are used. He then published the letter from his family correcting the information after the article are you all blind or what? Kathy S.
I lived across the street from Nick in Madison in the late 90s. He was a great man and had a remarkable zest for life. May the four winds blow you safely home, Nick. RIP.
I lived with Nick at Henry Street in Mad City. We shared a basement apartment and countless nights of utter insanity. He introduced me to the (real) Dead and helped me go deeper and deeper into that unknown space no blog can touch. I have a custom N.R. tattoo on my right inner arm--fantastic linework and a beautiful abstraction. Without Nick, I doubt I would have gone the way of the artist. To Nick it was the only way. Although we fell out of touch, I'd give my right arm to have him back. He has transcended all gossip! His light, poured into ashes... In his voice: "Peace"
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