Thu May 29, 2025 3:46 pm
Frank’s girlfriend shared the news of his passing back then in the German Slashcam forum:
"Frank passed away from a heart attack on the evening of May 7th, during the beginning of a concert tour in England. He was 59 years old. In April, he had spent three weeks in Louisiana filming a mystery documentary for arte. We last saw each other two weeks ago. Frank was still completely enchanted by his time in the USA, he told many stories, showed pictures, and was full of joyful anticipation for England.
Not knowing who among you only knew Frank virtually and who met him in real life: Frank was the most extraordinary man I ever knew. Always with a mischievous grin, wildly creative, deeply loving, he found great joy in the little things of life. He loved coffee and BBQ, had a soft spot for oddities and all kinds of absurdities, for vintage cars and for music. He was incredibly intelligent, thoughtful, a self-taught man like no other, and an absolutely loyal friend and partner. And he didn’t give a damn what others thought of him.
It actually happened very quickly — he was sharing a room with his bandmate and, before going to bed, went to the bathroom because he was feeling extremely nauseous. Shortly after, there was a loud thud. When his bandmate entered the bathroom, Frank was lying on the floor unconscious. Emergency responders arrived quickly and tried to resuscitate him for an hour. An absolute nightmare. The fact that it didn’t work is not the worst case. I fully agree with Jott — to simply collapse like that, as Frank did, is actually a good death.
Being in a hospital, hooked up to tubes and machines, facing the prospect of becoming a care patient — that would have been a horror for Frank.
I accompanied Frank on a few shoots and saw firsthand how highly professional he was and how much joy he took in what he did with such great passion.
He burned for his work behind the camera and for his music — that’s what he was made for, and he always followed that inner calling.
Frank didn’t spare his body. Coffee and cigarettes certainly played their part. Over the years, there were a few warning signs, which he ignored. Now, his heart has given out.
Frank’s body will be cremated in England on May 29th. So, if anyone feels like lighting a candle or remembering him in some way…"
Saying "Thx for help!" is not a crime.
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Robert Niessner
LAUFBILDkommission
Graz / Austria
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Blackmagic Camera Blog (German):
http://laufbildkommission.wordpress.com
Read the blog in English via Google Translate:
http://tinyurl.com/pjf6a3m