It’s one of those headlines that makes you stop scrolling. In early March 2025, the news hit the wire: Marcel Bonn, better known to millions of fans as the adult film icon Tim Kruger, was gone. He was 44.
When a public figure in the adult industry passes away young, the internet does what it always does. It speculates. People start whispering about "the lifestyle" or jumping to conclusions about drugs and mental health. But honestly, the truth behind the Marcel Bonn cause of death is far less sensational and significantly more tragic because of its sheer normalcy.
He didn't die from a wild night out or some hidden struggle. He died at home.
The Reality of the Home Accident in Mallorca
On March 1, 2025, Marcel passed away following what has been described by his closest inner circle as a "tragic, yet simple accident" at his home in Mallorca, Spain.
His longtime partner of over 20 years, who goes by the professional name Grobes Geraet, was the one to break the news. In a deeply personal statement, he took the unusual but necessary step of being blunt about what didn't happen. He explicitly stated that there were no drugs involved, no foul play, and it wasn't a case of suicide.
Think about that for a second. In an industry where people are often reduced to a caricature, Marcel had a stable, two-decade-long relationship. His partner was his best friend and his business collaborator. When the statement mentioned the "stigma" surrounding deaths in their line of work, you could feel the frustration. They just wanted the man to be mourned for who he was—not for the tropes people wanted to project onto him.
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Who Was Marcel Bonn Beyond the Screen?
Before he was Tim Kruger, he was just Marcel from Düsseldorf. Born in 1981, he actually trained in business administration.
He wasn't some lost kid who stumbled into the industry. He was smart. He moved to Berlin, worked in a pornography store, and realized there was a market for something more authentic. That’s how TimTales was born in 2009. He didn't just perform; he produced and directed, focusing on a more "amateur" and raw style that felt real to his audience.
- Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
- Signature Look: Iconic ginger hair and athletic build
- Business Mind: Co-founder of one of the most successful niche adult sites of the 2010s
He often spoke about the weird duality of his life. On camera, he was this confident, towering figure. Off-camera? He described himself as reserved. He once mentioned in an interview that it was a "gift" to have the physical attributes he had, but it was also a burden. He worried people only wanted to be near him because of his persona, which he admitted could be depressing if you didn't have a solid sense of self.
Why the Speculation Won't Quit
Even with a clear statement from his partner, the search for Marcel Bonn cause of death continues to trend. Why? Because we struggle with the idea that someone "larger than life" can be taken out by a mundane domestic accident.
In Mallorca, where Marcel lived, the local press like Última Hora confirmed the timeline, but they respected the family's plea for privacy regarding the specific mechanics of the accident. Whether it was a fall or a household mishap, the result remains the same: a massive loss for the LGBTQ+ entertainment community.
The Tim Kruger Legacy
Marcel changed how people viewed adult content. He moved it away from the over-produced, plastic feel of the early 2000s and toward something that felt like a glimpse into a real person's life.
His partner, Grobes Geraet, asked fans to remember the "sweet, caring partner" rather than just the "ultimate ginger pornstar." It’s a reminder that behind every screen name is a legal name—Marcel Bonn—and a family that’s now dealing with a very quiet, very empty house in Spain.
What We Can Take Away
When you're looking for answers about a public figure's passing, it's easy to get lost in the "true crime" style of internet sleuthing. But in this case, the facts are actually quite clear, even if they aren't "exciting" for the tabloids.
- Respect the Source: Trust the statements from long-term partners over anonymous forum rumors.
- Separate the Art from the Person: Marcel was a businessman and a partner; Tim Kruger was the brand.
- Acknowledge the Stigma: The reason we question these deaths so intensely is often rooted in our own biases about the adult industry.
If you want to honor his memory, the best thing to do is respect the privacy his family requested. He spent his career being incredibly vulnerable in front of a camera. He earned the right to have his final moments handled with a bit of dignity and quiet.
Actionable Insight: If you're following news about public figures in the adult industry, look for verified statements from established LGBTQ+ outlets like Out Magazine or IN Magazine, which often have direct lines to the performers' estates and provide more nuance than mainstream gossip sites.