This is a shocker and devastating news for the NCIS family. Gary Glasberg, executive producer/showrunner of NCIS and creator/executive producer of NCIS: New Orleans, died suddenly today, Sept. 28, in Los Angeles. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. Glasberg was 50.

Glasberg, always smiling and kind to all who have crossed paths with him, was adored by his casts and crews. He joined NCIS in 2009 as a co-executive producer/writer. He was named showrunner in 2011, and since then, he steered the long-running series to finishing as the most watched drama on U.S. television for five consecutive seasons and taking the title of #1 drama series in the world. In 2014, Glasberg created the successful spinoff, NCIS: New Orleans, now in its third season.

“Today is an overwhelmingly sad day for NCIS, CBS and anyone who was blessed to spend time with Gary Glasberg,” said CBS’ President of Entertainment Glenn Geller. “We have lost a cherished friend, gifted creative voice, respected leader and, most memorably, someone whose warmth and kindness was felt by all around him. Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies go out to his wife, Mimi, his two sons and all his family and friends.”

Glasberg was among the most valued showrunners on CBS TV Studios’ roster, which recently signed him in a new three-year overall deal.

“We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Gary Glasberg,” said CBS TV Studios president David Stapf. “He epitomized the word mensch and brought kindness, integrity and class to everything he did. His remarkable talent as a writer and producer was only matched by his ability to connect with people. Gary was a beloved member of our family and we are so honored that he called CBS his home for so many years. Our hearts go out to his wife, Mimi, two sons, his entire family and all those who loved him.”

Born in New York, Glasberg started his writing career nearly 20 years ago, writing comic books and animation for companies such as Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon, Fox and Hanna-Barbera. His pre-NCIS television credits include CBS’ Shark and The Mentalist, as well as Crossing Jordan, The $treet and Bones.

A devoted family man, Glasberg was married for 20 years to television producer and screenwriter, Mimi Schmir. They have two sons, Dash and Eli. In addition to his wife and sons, Glasberg is survived by his father, Edwin Glasberg, and his sister, Mindy Glasberg. A memorial service is being planned for later in October. The family kindly requests privacy at this time.