We are saddened to report that Jon Schnepp passed away yesterday (19th). The Metalocalypse director was hospitalized and in critical condition after suffering from a massive stroke on July 12th. The 51-year-old’s partner Holly Payne broke the news sharing on social media, stating:

“It is with a broken heart that the Schnepp family and I must announce the passing of our beloved Jon Schnepp, who died peacefully on July 19, 2018.

Jon ultimately succumbed to the effects of a massive stroke. He had a blood clot removed from his left carotid artery, but the bleeding could not be stopped. Irreparable and catastrophic damage was caused to both hemispheres and all brain activity ceased. His sister Deborah and I had to make the difficult decision to take him off of life support. There was no possible way for him to recover. Please understand.

I spent the last hour of his life with him holding him, laying my head across his massive chest, kissing him, stroking his hair, playing his favorite songs, and telling him over and over again how much I love him. My life has been forever changed by Jon. I feel endlessly grateful to have shared 16 years of laughter, love and incredible adventures together, including the making a feature film, as well as a television series that I hope to complete and release later this year in his honor.

Jon’s mother Miriam, his father David, his sister Deborah and I are devastated beyond measure. We appreciate your love and support, and most importantly your understanding of our privacy at this time as we grieve.

Thank you, Holly Payne”

Schnepp has worked on a number of films, TV shows and music videos as a director, producer, animator, voice actor and more throughout his career. Titles include Metalocalypse, The Death of ‘Superman Lives’: What Happened, The Venture Brothers, and many more. A gofundme page was created for Schnepp’s medical bills and you can still make your donation here. Our thoughts go out to Schnepp’s family and friends during this difficult time.