Bemani Artist Captain Jack, Dead At 43

Francisco Guterrez aka "Captain Jack" (Best known in America for his contributions to the Konami game Dance Dance Revolution with tracks like "Captain Jack", "In The Navy", "Little Boy", and "Drill Instructor") has died at the age of 43. The good-mood singer (who has sold seven million records in Germany) had  collapsed on monday at a party in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. He was taken to the hospital "Juaneda" with the suspicion of stroke. The physicians had little hope that he would awaken from the deep unconsciousness again, and according to his ex-wife Daniela Schaefer, he passed away quietly Friday morning.

Though born in Cuba, his family emigrated to Majorca, Spain, and then to Miami, Florida, when he was young. After college, he enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed in Germany. While there, he began his career as a disc jockey. He grew tired of military service and decided to stay in Germany when his enlistment expired. His clothing and mannerisms in Captain Jack were intended to satirize the American military.

The drama around Captain Jack started at a party at Palma. Guterrez (wearing his dance commander uniform) grasped at his chest and collapsed while walking with his son. Siegfried Blau, a good friend: "It was awful. We called the ambulance right away. But Franky wasn't transportable. He laid on the terrace for an hour, the paramedics battled for his life." Slightly stabilized he was finally transfered to the hospital.

Three years ago the singer suffered a crippling stroke. He had a hemiplegia, and could barely speak. "Of late Franky had a lot stress, was traveling around, had a lot of gigs", said his manager Niebergall. And just now, where he met his son Francisco (21, lives at Miami) again after years on Mallorca, he was hit by a second stroke that caused his death. Captain Jack has been battling a developing Brain Tumor since 2002, but his situation had worsened over the last few years.

Rest in peace, old friend.

   -Greg