Dave Schubert was a renowned street photographer who captured the raw and gritty scenes of San Francisco’s Mission District in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His work was featured in magazines such as Thrasher, Juxtapoz, and Vice, and he collaborated with artists such as Dash Snow, Barry McGee, and Ed Templeton. He was also a beloved friend and mentor to many in the skateboarding and graffiti community. However, his life was cut short on January 5, 2023, when he was found dead in his home at the age of 46. What was the cause of his death and what legacy did he leave behind?
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A Life of Passion and Adventure
Dave Schubert was born in New Jersey in 1976 and grew up in a suburban town. He developed an interest in photography at an early age and started taking pictures of his friends skateboarding and hanging out. He moved to San Francisco in 1995 after receiving a scholarship to study photography at the San Francisco Art Institute. There, he immersed himself in the vibrant and diverse culture of the city, especially the Mission District, where he lived for over 20 years.
Schubert was drawn to the underground scene of skaters, graffiti writers, punks, and bike messengers who lived on the edge and defied authority. He documented their lives with his camera, capturing moments of joy, pain, violence, and beauty. He had a knack for being at the right place at the right time, often risking his own safety to get the perfect shot. He also had a charismatic personality that allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life. He was known for his generosity, humor, and loyalty to his friends.
Schubert traveled extensively around the world, visiting places such as Mexico, Japan, India, and Europe. He also spent time in New York City, where he befriended the late artist Dash Snow, who became his best friend and creative partner. The two shared a similar vision and aesthetic, as well as a penchant for mischief and drugs. They collaborated on several projects, including zines, books, and exhibitions.
A Struggle with Addiction and Depression
Despite his success and popularity, Schubert struggled with addiction and depression for most of his adult life. He started using drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine when he was in his twenties, and continued to do so until his death. He also suffered from several head injuries that affected his memory and cognition. He often isolated himself from his friends and family, and expressed feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Schubert tried to quit drugs several times, but always relapsed. He also sought professional help for his mental health issues, but did not find much relief. He was deeply affected by the death of his best friend Dash Snow in 2009 from a drug overdose. He dedicated a zine to him called “I Love You Stupid”, which featured photos of their adventures together.
Schubert’s addiction and depression took a toll on his physical health as well. He developed chronic pain in his back and legs that made it difficult for him to walk or stand for long periods of time. He also lost a lot of weight and looked frail and gaunt. He rarely left his house or took pictures anymore.
A Mysterious and Tragic Death
On January 5, 2023, Schubert’s friends became worried about him when they could not reach him by phone or text for several days. They decided to check on him at his home on 26th Street in the Mission District. They found him lying on the floor of his bedroom, surrounded by drug paraphernalia and blood stains. He was already dead when they arrived.
The cause of Schubert’s death was not immediately clear. The police did not suspect foul play or homicide, but they did not rule out suicide either. The coroner performed an autopsy on Schubert’s body, but did not release the results to the public until six weeks later.
According to KQED, the coroner determined that Schubert died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His death was ruled a suicide by the Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy. The body was not “facially recognizable” and had to be identified through dental records. Murphy said he won’t rule on Schubert’s cause of death until he sees the results of toxicology tests.
The news of Schubert’s death shocked and saddened many people who knew him or admired his work. They paid tribute to him on social media platforms such as Instagram, where they posted photos of him or taken by him. They also organized memorial services and exhibitions to honor his life and legacy.
A Lasting Legacy and Influence
Dave Schubert was one of the most influential and original photographers of his generation. He captured the essence of a time and place that is no longer the same, but still resonates with many people who lived it or witnessed it through his lens. He showed the beauty and the ugliness of the human condition, without judgment or censorship. He inspired and mentored many young photographers who followed his footsteps.
Schubert’s work is preserved in several books and zines, such as “Dirt” (2002), “I Love You Stupid” (2009), “The Mission School” (2010), and “The End Is Near” (2013). His work is also featured in several collections and museums, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Berkeley Art Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His work is also available online through his website and Instagram account.
Dave Schubert’s cause of death was tragic and heartbreaking, but his life was full of passion and adventure. He left behind a body of work that will continue to inspire and challenge viewers for years to come. He was a legend in his own right, and he will be dearly missed by many. Rest in peace, Dave Schubert.
