EDUCATOR, MUTANT RIGHTS ACTIVIST, FORMER VIGILANTE DIES

From the Anchorage Independent:

Nathan Thurm, founder and owner of the Flat Rock School for Gifted Youth, and a well-known mutant rights activist, passed away last night of an unknown malady, says a report issued by Ahchorage Coroner Cyril Roberts. The well-known mutant spokesperson, aged 61, apparently passed away in his sleep from a wasting condition that had diminished his physical condition over the last several years. Representatives of the Flat Rock School said that he did not suffer, and was surrounded by his family and students during his last hours. He is survived by his wife, Melanie Fontaine.

Thurm is also widely believed to have been the man behind the famous (sometimes infamous) mutant vigilante known at various times as Ice Avenger, Firefist, and Thermo. In the late 1970's Ice Avenger, along with the other legendary figures Dreadnought, Loup Garou, Para-man, Knight Watchman and Jack of All Trades formed the now well-known super team called AlertForce. At times both worshipped and reviled by the public, Thermo was staunch in his support of mutant rights and protection. Thermo had a hand in thwarting many supervillain schemes, and also in preventing at least two alien invasions of planet Earth, a fact which is not now often remembered by those who would cast aspersions on the "vigilante" movement.

After his apparent retirement over fifteen years ago from the super-vigilante persona, Thurm purchased a large tract of land north of Anchorage and established the Flat Rock School, where he has lived since. The Flat Rock School is a kind of halfway house and school for troubled, yet gifted children from around the world. In the years of its existence, over 350 student residents have passed through its walls.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.