U.S.-based activist and artist best known for creating the rainbow flag representing gay rights, Gilbert Baker has died at the age of 65, Reuters reported quoting artist's friend, Cleve Jones.

“My dearest friend in the world is gone. Gilbert Baker gave the world the Rainbow Flag; he gave me forty years of love and friendship,” Jones tweeted.

The cause of Baker's death is unknown. It was noted that he had been living in New York City.