OGDEN, Utah—Adult performer and Next Door Studios exclusive star, Scott Finn, passed away on November 23, according to an obituary posted by his family. His real name was Rhett Douglas Messerly, affectionately referred to as “Doug.”
“With heavy and grieving hearts, we announce the passing of our son, brother and uncle, Rhett Douglas Messerly,” the obituary began.
“Rhett was born on February 2, 1998, to his loving parents,” the tribute continued.
“He always had a way of bringing a smile and laughter to those who knew him. Most importantly, he will be remembered for his incredible capacity to help others. He was especially sympathetic to women in need, whether it was helping them dig out their car from the snow, providing a meal or helping them feel safe in their circumstances. Throughout his life, friends were drawn to him because of his immense capacity for accepting people for who they are, no matter how they came.
“Rhett (Doug) is missed dearly by his family and all those who knew him. Those whose lives he touched will forever remember his kindness, big smile, and silly natured personality. We find some comfort in knowing his pain here is over and he rests with his Heavenly Father again,” the obituary read. No cause of death was noted.
Next Door Studios executive producer/director Jeremy Babcock told AVN, “I had the pleasure of working on set with Scott as both a production assistant and performer from the moment I entered the industry.
“Even at 20 years old, he was already a veteran and powerhouse performer, performing as a Next Door Studios Exclusive all the way through to his retirement,” Babcock said further. “Scott had an infectious laugh, and always raised the energy of every room he was in. On and off camera, he captivated everyone he met. I’m honored to have had Scott as a co-worker and friend.
“Truly saddened by our loss. My condolences to his family,” he added. As Finn, Messerly had appeared in titles from Next Door Studios and ActiveDuty.com.
Gay culture blogs The Pink News, GayExpress.co.nz and Pride.com noted the young performer’s passing.
Despite the date of Messerly’s death being posted in the online tribute as November 23, it appears as if posts were made to the Scott Finn Facebook account as recently as November 26. A sporadic poster on X.com, his most recent post had been on June 18, with a caption that said, “Itss (sic) been a hard life the last year and a half…” going on to explain that it had been a while since he’d posted a photo.
Messerly is survived by his parents, four siblings, and nine nieces and nephews, his maternal grandparents, and “all his Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.” The obituary also noted his fraternal grandparents, a nephew and a cousin who had preceded him in death.
A viewing and service for Messerly are scheduled for Thursday, December 4.
