Mexican Animator Luis de la Rosa, ‘Spider-Verse’ Contributor, Dies at 34 in Tragic Annecy Accident

ANNECY, France — Luis de la Rosa, a talented 34-year-old Mexican animator and illustrator whose artistic contributions included work on the Oscar-nominated feature Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, has died following a train accident. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, June 24, in the early evening in downtown Annecy, France, where de la Rosa was staying to attend the world-renowned Annecy International Animation Film Festival. According to local emergency services, the artist was struck by a train on the railroad tracks running alongside Avenue de Brogny.

De la Rosa was widely regarded as a rising talent within the contemporary Mexican digital arts scene, a community that has earned significant global acclaim in recent years. His work on Sony Pictures Animation's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) placed him at the cutting edge of modern visual storytelling, contributing to a film celebrated for its pioneering blend of diverse animation styles. Known for his versatility as both a character designer and a visual development artist, de la Rosa frequently bridged the gap between independent Mexican productions and high-profile international studio projects.

The incident has cast a profound somber note over the closing days of the Annecy Festival, which serves as the premier annual gathering for the global animation industry. French authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision on the tracks near Avenue de Brogny, a central thoroughfare located near the heart of the festival's venues. Representatives from the local prefecture and emergency response teams confirmed that despite rapid intervention, de la Rosa succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Tributes from colleagues, directors, and fellow animators have begun circulating online, highlighting de la Rosa’s dedication to his craft and his generous spirit as a collaborator. "Luis was an incredibly vibrant voice in our community, someone who brought immense passion and a unique perspective to every frame he touched," said a close colleague in a statement. His untimely passing represents a significant loss to both the Latin American animation community and the broader international industry, which continues to mourn a promising career cut tragically short.