London graffiti artist Helch dies at age 34

London graffiti artist Michael Purdy, known by his tag Helch, has died at the age of 34. His sudden passing has prompted widespread tributes from the urban art community and social media.

Helch gained prominence starting in 2018, known for painting massive block letters across buildings, motorway bridges, and railway viaducts throughout London. His work was often controversial; in 2019, a 60-foot high piece near Windsor Castle drew criticism for obstructing views of the royal residence.

Despite such controversies, the art world has celebrated him as a “world class artist” who embodied the essence of graffiti. Tributes have described him as a “London legend” whose distinctive signature became a permanent fixture of the city's urban landscape.