The tattoo community is reeling from the news of Ink Master winner Scott Marshall’s sudden, tragic death at age 41 on Monday, Oct. 26. In the hours since, his friends, colleagues, and Ink Master competitors have paid tribute to the artist via social media and Inked Magazine, which featured a profile of Marshall after his Season 4 win on Spike TV’s tattoo competition show.
“He was the best of the best as a tattoo artist and a person,” fellow Ink Master Season 4 contestant Matti Hixson, of Otzi Tattoo Agency, told Inked. “I have been beside myself [since I heard]. He was my best friend, I feel like I lost a brother.”
In Marshall’s honor, Hixson requested via Inked Mag that “those who are lucky enough to have a piece done by Scott” post a photo via social media “so that we can all get a closer look at the man through his artwork.” He added, “Respect his legacy and be respectful to his family.”
New York-based artist “Gentle Jay” Blondel expressed his condolences, too, recalling how they went from rivals to friends while working a booth together last year. Though it started out “extremely tense,” they ultimately “buried the hatchet and got along,” Blondel told Inked. “He was a very good artist and a very good dude.”
Revolt Tattoos, which is co-owned by Season 4 runner-up Walter “Sausage” Frank, honored Marshall via Twitter. A tweet from Revolt’s account read: “Our deepest condolences to the family & friends of @smarshalltattoo. A great talent who will truly be missed. #RIP”
Marshall is survived by his wife, Johanna, and their three kids. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones.
