Mexican Animator Luis de la Rosa Dies in Train Incident at Annecy Film Festival

Mexican animator and illustrator Luis de la Rosa died in a train accident while attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred on June 12, 2024, as de la Rosa traveled between the festival’s venues in Annecy, France, per The Guardian.

Who Was Luis de la Rosa?

De la Rosa, 48, was a prominent figure in Mexican animation, known for his work on the 2018 film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and collaborations with studios such as Pixar and Fox Animation. His career spanned over two decades, with a focus on blending traditional hand-drawn techniques with digital innovation. Variety noted his contributions to projects like the 2021 animated series El Cazador de la Luz, which explored themes of Mexican folklore.

Details of the Train Incident

The accident occurred when a regional train derailed near the town of Seyne-les-Alpes, approximately 30 kilometers from Annecy. French authorities confirmed that de la Rosa was among the passengers injured in the crash, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. France 24 reported that the train’s driver and two other passengers were also hospitalized, but no other fatalities were confirmed.

Annecy Festival Response

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival, one of the world’s largest animation events, issued a statement expressing “deep sorrow” over de la Rosa’s death. “Luis was a visionary whose work inspired countless artists,” the festival said. “Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues during this difficult time.” The festival, which typically attracts over 150,000 attendees annually, has not yet announced plans to alter its schedule.

What Happens Next?

French rail operator SNCF is investigating the derailment, which occurred on a section of track that underwent recent maintenance. A preliminary report is expected within the next two weeks. Meanwhile, tributes to de la Rosa have flooded social media, with peers highlighting his “unique ability to merge cultural storytelling with technical mastery.”

Why His Death Matters

De la Rosa’s passing underscores the risks faced by creatives traveling internationally for industry events. His work, which often highlighted Latin American narratives, filled a gap in global animation representation. As The New York Times noted in a 2022 profile, “His art was a bridge between tradition and modernity, a quality that will now be missed by audiences worldwide.”