Robert L. Washington III: 1964-2012
Robert Lee Washington III, a comic book writer best known for writing the first 18 issues of Static for Milestone Media, passed away today after suffering from multiple heart attacks.
Robert had a heart attack yesterday afternoon. He collapsed, unconscious, and was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in Queens. In the following twenty four hours, he had two additional heart attacks. His heart stopped at 7:18pm tonight and he passed away.
Robert first came to prominence in 1993 writing the debut of Static for the new Milestone Comics line, and later writing Shadow Cabinet. He also wrote Extreme Justice for DC Comics, The Good Guys for Defiant, and Ninjak for Acclaim.
In later years, he’d gone through some rough patches. He’d been homeless a few times, and had received assistance from the Hero Initiative to get back on his feet, but by all accounts was getting back on his feet. He’d even started writing comics again, and his last job was a one page autobiographical story for Hero Comics 2012, a benefit for the Hero Initiative that came out just last month.
His quirky sense of humor made his run on Static a classic. He will be missed.
Robert was a true original talent. He was everyone’s first choice at Milestone to write Static, he will be missed.
Thanks for the remembrance and tribute of a creator whose acclaim was not in balance with his talent. Respect.
thank you so much for this obituary.
Used to chat with him over on the CBR forum’s, he came over a really nice person and very out spoken over DC’s handling of Milestone
He was a lovely, funny man. So sorry to have lost touch with him.
My sincere condolences to Mr. Washington’s family and friends.
Robert used to work for me at my real estate agency about 6 years ago. If anyone knows where his family could be contacted it would be very helpful. The hospital was asking for family contacts.
I went to school with Robert Washington in the Detroit area from 5th to 8th grade. Like many of Robert’s school friends, and sadly, his family, I had not been in touch with him for many years. But when I heard about his death and learned more about his financial and family situation, I immediately became concerned that his remains might end up on Hart Island. The island is New York City’s location for indigent burials. The dead here are buried in pine coffins, stacked in unmarked trenches, by Riker’s Island inmates. There are no services or ceremonies.A small group of Robert’s former classmates and colleagues have joined forces to ensure this doesn’t happen. We’ve been in touch with the city medical examiner’s office and after some serious sleuthing made contact with one of his relatives. And we’ve started raising funds to pay for a modest funeral.If you knew Robert, were a fan of his work or just are interested in lending a hand, here’s how you can help.The Hero Initiative — a not-for-profit, 503(c) charitable organization that helps comic book creators in need — has agreed to act as our vehicle for contributing to Robert’s funeral arrangements.The money we contribute goes to the Hero Initiative, but can be directed toward specific purposes, in this case Robert’s funeral. Any money over and above the cost of the funeral will be applied in Robert’s name toward helping other comic book creators make ends meet.To donate, go to the Hero Initiative home page (www.heroinitiative.org) and click the yellow “Donate” button at the top right. This will take you to PayPal, where you can login and make your contribution.IMPORTANT: Make sure you click the button that says “add special instructions to seller” and type “Robert Washington” before you submit your donation.Whether you contribute or not, thanks for taking time to read about our effort to honor Robert.
I went to school with Robert Washington in the Detroit area from 5th to 8th grade. Like many of Robert’s school friends, and sadly, his family, I had not been in touch with him for many years. But when I heard about his death and learned more about his financial and family situation, I immediately became concerned that his remains might end up on Hart Island. The island is New York City’s location for indigent burials. The dead here are buried in pine coffins, stacked in unmarked trenches, by Riker’s Island inmates. There are no services or ceremonies.
A small group of Robert’s former classmates and colleagues have joined forces to ensure this doesn’t happen. We’ve been in touch with the city medical examiner’s office and after some serious sleuthing made contact with one of his relatives. And we’ve started raising funds to pay for a modest funeral.
If you knew Robert, were a fan of his work or just are interested in lending a hand, here’s how you can help.
The Hero Initiative — a not-for-profit, 503(c) charitable organization that helps comic book creators in need — has agreed to act as our vehicle for contributing to Robert’s funeral arrangements.
The money we contribute goes to the Hero Initiative, but can be directed toward specific purposes, in this case Robert’s funeral. Any money over and above the cost of the funeral will be applied in Robert’s name toward helping other comic book creators make ends meet.
To donate, go to the Hero Initiative home page (www.heroinitiative.org) and click the yellow “Donate” button at the top right. This will take you to PayPal, where you can login and make your contribution.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you click the button that says “add special instructions to seller” and type “Robert Washington” before you submit your donation.
Whether you contribute or not, thanks for taking time to read about our effort to honor Robert.
Hi, all, thanks to the efforts of many generous fans and friends — and loads of support from the Hero Initiative — Robert Washington’s remains will now get a proper burial. If you would like to attend his memorial service, it is planned for 7pm Monday, June 25th at the Ross-Roden Funeral Home, 725 E. Gun Hill Road, Bronx, New York 10467.