Edward Irastorza, a VFX supervisor and producer known for his work with Guillermo del Toro, Phil Tippett, and many others, passed away December 21st at age 52. While his cause of death remains undisclosed, he had been sick for some time. According to Deadline, “the news of his death was announced on his Facebook account: ‘It is with great sadness that I need to let you know that my brother Edward has passed away. Even though he had been very sick for just over a year we were not expecting him to go when he did. He was looking forward to Christmas as Erik was going to be with us. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it.’”

Irastorza will be remembered through his notable work on Pan’s Labyrinth (for which he won a Goya Award), Hellboy, Blade 2, Sin City, Crown Vic, Xena, Hercules, and Grimm. The late producer’s sister took to Facebook to request memories from those who had worked alongside Irastorza, and the tributes poured in, showing just how loved he truly was.

“I worked with Ed on Cats & Dogs, Blade II and Hellboy at Tippett Studio,” wrote VFX artist Jeff Johnson. “He was a big reason those projects ran so smoothly, but also that those projects were such a blast to work on.”

Director Tawnia McKiernan chimed in: “My favourite days were the ones where I had something that involved visual effects on Grimm. Whether it was meeting discussing the effects or seeing Edward Irastorza on the set with those silver balls. Everyone yelling BALLS. He would laugh and do his job.”

She added, “Ed brought light to everything he touched. The creations on the screen showcased his talent. He was taken too soon and will be missed. But I know his light will make heaven even brighter. My deepest condolences and prayers for the family.”