James Batchelor UK Editor Saturday 31st August 2019 Share this article Share

Alec Holowka died this morning.

His death was announced via Twitter by sister Eileen Mary Holowka, who shared more information on his background and personal struggles.

Alec Holowka was one third of the team behind acclaimed indie title Night in the Woods, serving as co-designer, coder and composer.

He was accused of emotional abuse and sexual assault earlier this week. The Night in the Woods team cut ties with Holowka and cancelled a project amid the allegations.

In her post, Eileen Mary wrote: "Those who know me will know that I believe survivors and I have always done everything I can to support survivors, those suffering from metnal illnesses and those with chronic illnesses.

"Alec was a victim of abuse and he also spent a lifetime battling mood and personality disorders. I will not pretend that he was not also responsible for causing harm, but deep down he was a person who wanted only to offer people care and kindness. It took him a while to figure out how.

"Over the last few years, with therapy and medication, Alec became a new person -- the same person he'd always been but without any of the darkness. He was calm and happy, positive and loving. Obviously, change is a slow process and it wasn't perfect, but he was working towards rehabilitation and a better life."

She went on to thank the various crisis services and individuals that had been supporting Alec over the past week, and asked that the family be given time to heal. She added that Alec specifically wished the best for his accuser and others, "so don't use our grief as an excuse to harass people."

"We tried out best to support Alec, but in the end he felt he had lost too much."

If you have been affected by suicidal thoughts, there are sources of support. In the UK, you can contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.