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Well-known tattoo artist found dead at Ann Morrison Park: 'He was a good dude, he was talented'

Boise Police found Roque "Rocky" Arellano’s body Thursday morning. He co-owned Uptown Tattoo.

BOISE, Idaho — Friends and family of the man whose body was found at Ann Morrison Park, are now mourning his loss.  

“It doesn’t seem real right now I guess, I’m just trying to kind of hold it together,” Brent Leonard, a friend of Rocky Arellano, said.

On Thursday, Boise Police found Roque "Rocky" Arellano’s body at Ann Morrison Park. The case is being investigated as a homicide, but the news has devastated, not only those who loved the 43-year-old but the tattoo community as well. 

“He was a good dude, he was talented, he was an insane tattoo artist which is what's insane because he had so much talent, which is what sucks because it just ends like this,” Leonard said.

Arellano was a well-known tattoo artist, as he co-owned Uptown Tattoo in Boise. 

RELATED: 'He admitted he went too far': Prosecution releases gruesome details into Ann Morrison Park homicide

“He was like a brother from a different mother,” Leonard said. “He was a humble dude, he always made sure everyone was taken care of, he would put everyone else in front of him, that's probably what I’ll miss the most.” 

Friend of 10 years and co-worker, Jamus Leon Franks, also shared what he'll miss most about the father of four.

“Coming to work every day and seeing him smiling, hanging out with him drawing and tattooing, it's just a sad day for everybody,” Franks said.

RELATED: Boise police investigating reported shooting at Ann Morrison Park

As of Friday, both men were in disbelief. 

“He was just a big-hearted guy, he'd help out anybody, he was a good artist, good friend, good father figure, just a humble guy,” Franks said.

Arellano’s friends are now planning a promotional event at Uptown Tattoo to help raise money for Arellano’s family and funeral costs. A GoFundMe page has also been set up.

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