Tom Spurgeon, writer, editor, foundational blogger at The Comics Reporter, CXC executive director, has passed away. He was 50.

Like everyone, I’m numb. Tom was my editor, my friend, my colleague, my rival, my inspiration. No one loved comics more. I can’t even begin to describe how much he loved comics. He held us all to a higher standard, myself included. I’ll have more to say when I’ve processed this horrible news.

Tom was a one of a kind spirit who can never begin to be replaced. He leaves behind so many friends whose lives he touched and helped in innumerable ways. My deepest condolences to his brother Whit and the rest of his family and his many friends who are mourning him now.

Updated to add: Tom’s age was actually 50, not 51 as many reported. I’ve corrected it.