Tony Dyson, the creator of Star Wars’ beloved droid R2-D2, has passed away yesterday. He was 68 years old.

The news had been shared via Imgur by Brenda Thomas, Dyson’s friend and business partner. She posted a photo of Dyson and the following message:

It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that my good friend & business partner Tony Dyson has passed away. Tony never met a stranger always smiling talking to his fans and just being Tony. You will truly be missed not only by me but with the whole Star Wars Universe. I will see you again someday and we will have a ball again and yes you can chase R3 again. Miss you already MTFBWYA!

See the photo below:

The Briton was found dead by police following a neighbor’s call who saw the door of his house open, according to the BBC. The report claims that a post-mortem is underway to determine the exact cause of death, but he is thought to have died of “natural causes.”

Dyson, also a professor, owned The White Horse Toy Company in the UK. In 1977, he had been commissioned to make eight models of R2-D2, the master moulds, and an additional head. While described his experience working on the droid as "one of the most exciting periods” his life.

It is saddening to have lost a great contributor in the world of sci-fi/fantasy and we extend our deepest condolences to Dyson’s family.