The Simpsons director Edwin Aguilar has died aged 46 after suffering a stroke, his wife has sadly confirmed.
Aguilar had worked on the hit animation for over two decades, with the final episode he helped create – Burger Kings – airing the night before he died.
His wife Marieke released a statement on her late husband’s GoFundMe page, explaining the bleeding on his brain had become “much worse” the day he died.
She wrote: ‘”Edwin is resting peacefully as he waits to transition to the next step on his soul’s journey.
“Thank you for all of your words – I have read and played all of them.
“For those who want more details, this morning the bleeding in his brain got much worse.
“His care has been absolutely amazing, managed by my brother.”
Marieke went on to explain the scale of the stroke her husband had suffered meant “‘fixing’ him would essentially destroy him”.
She continued: “I would not want to put him through living in a nursing home or something terrible like that. He and I have talked about all of that thankfully.
“He would fight if he felt his being here would protect Bodhi and me, Jonathon and Maya.
“But he knows that all of you will be there for us forever, that we will never be alone or left wanting for anything.
“So please wish him peace and joy for that time when he can reconnect with all the loved ones who’ve made this journey already.”
Originally from El Salvador in Central America, Aguilar moved to the US in the early 80s, eventually landing a job on The Simpsons.
Created by Matt Groening, the cartoon sitcom has been running since 1989, with over 700 episodes and 32 seasons to date.
Tributes from Aguilar’s colleagues flooded in on social media, as they remembered the director’s warmth and friendship over the years.
Animation production supervisor Nikki Isordia wrote: “He made everyone feel at home.
“I can’t even remember being introduced to him, because I’ve just felt like I’ve known him my whole life.
“When I was feeling upset about something, I’d go to Edwin’s office, and he always knew the right thing to say.”
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“This is going to hurt for some time. Edwin was such a lovely person,” added character designer Eric Keyes.
Simpsons director David Silverman also shared a poignant tribute on Twitter, describing Aguilar’s artistry behind the scenes on the award-winning animation.
“A very sad so long to everybody’s great and dear friend, Edwin Aguilar,” he wrote.
“Everyone @TheSimpsons feels the loss of this great great artist and great great person.
“He was the kindest and strongest, and we will miss him always.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
