Friends and fans are mourning the death of legendary adult gay film star, actor, singer, and fitness trainer Glenn Soukesian, known by his stage name Colton Ford. He was 62.
Mr. Soukesian’s friend, Tim Wood, told the Bay Area Reporter in a Facebook text message that Mr. Soukesian died following a hiking accident over the weekend.
Palm Springs Police spokesperson Lieutenant Mike Villegas told the B.A.R. Wednesday that Mr. Soukesian was reported missing on Monday, May 19, and was later found deceased that same night on the Goat Trails behind 4733 E. Palm Canyon Drive.
"The deputy coroner’s investigation ruled out any foul play. We do not have any information on the cause of death,” Villegas added.
Mr. Soukesian’s friends confirmed the hiking information.
“He was on a local hiking trail here in Palm Springs,” Wood wrote. “The police have not shared the details of their findings yet, so we don't really know what happened to cause his death.”
The Riverside County Coroner’s Office told the B.A.R. that all inquiries on the case are being handled by the Palm Springs Police Department.
“He was a brilliant artist who always kept a song in his heart,” Wood wrote in a public Facebook message. “Sweet, funny, kind, sassy – and hopelessly handsome. My heart is broken – it's almost too much to take.”
“I shot and edited this music video for Glenn AKA Colton Ford,” Billy Clift wrote in a Facebook tribute. “He was a sweet man. We also had a Documentary in the works together called the Colton Ford Project. He will be missed.”
Legendary drag queen, DJ, and director Chi Chi LaRue wrote on Facebook, “I'm So Shocked and Saddened to hear and report the sudden passing of my friend and Icon Glen aka Colton Ford! You will be missed! Keep Singing In Heaven!”
In an interview with B.A.R. arts and nightlife editor Jim Provenzano in December 2020, Mr. Soukesian, then 58, said his 50s were a challenging time in his life.
“It started with my mom passing unexpectedly. Fortunately, I was with her for the eight months leading up to her passing from cancer,” he said. “It wasn't a terminal situation until she collapsed in my arms and passed a few days later. So that's part of it. We all have to deal with loss, and certain losses are more deeply felt. My mom and I were super tight."
He added that his biological father was not part of his life between the ages of 4 and 16, and he never really connected with his stepfather.
“It was really about the women in my life. It's a loss a lot of people can relate to,” he told the B.A.R.
Mr. Soukesian’s music albums include the “Tug of War” (2008), “Under the Covers” (2009), “The Way I Am” (2013), the 2015 EP “Next Chapter,” and 2016’s “Glenn Soukesian.” Some of his music made it on to the Top 20 on Billboard.
His acting credits include the Off-Broadway musical “Little House on the Ferry” in 2011, and in 2014, “And All The Dead, Lie Down.” He starred for three seasons in the gay-themed supernatural 2007 TV series “The Lair.”
His IMDb profile lists 10 gay porn films starring Colton Ford from 2001-2003.
In addition to his entertainment career, Mr. Soukesian worked as a fitness trainer, often with clients at Steel Gym in Palm Springs. He was a native of Pasadena and, at the time of his death, was living in Palm Springs.
Updated, 5/21/25: This article has been updated with information from the Palm Springs Police Department.
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