Credit: Dave Creek InstagramDave Creek, lead character animator on the incredibly popular adult animation series, Bob’s Burgers, has tragically died in a skydiving accident at age 42.
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Creek — whose Instagram page shows he was an avid and experienced skydiver — also loved woodworking and was constructing an elaborate treehouse, documenting the entire process on social media.
The official Bob’s Burgers Twitter account shared the following tribute to the beloved animator:
We are heartbroken at the tragic passing of Dave Creek, an extraordinary artist who had been with Bob’s Burgers from day one. He was not just an incredible talent, but a beautiful person as well, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and all his colleagues at the show who loved him and are grieving today.
In loving memory of Dave Creek. pic.twitter.com/8HDShtU17I
— Bob's Burgers (@BobsBurgersFOX) January 8, 2021
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The Bob’s Burgers franchise joined the Walt Disney Company family of brands when Disney completed its buyout of 20th Century Fox — now 20th Century Studios — in March 2019.
Fans and colleagues are remembering Creek on social media. Bob’s Burgers producer Wendy Molyneaux shared an especially touching tribute, writing:
If you love Bob’s Burgers, you loved Dave Creek. He was an adventurous funny outgoing amazing artist and one of the most incredible, interesting people I ever met. I often thought that Dave really knew how to live and I wish he got to live some more. Rest In Peace, buddy.Â
If you love Bob’s Burgers, you loved Dave Creek. He was an adventurous funny outgoing amazing artist and one of the most incredible, interesting people I ever met. I often thought that Dave really knew how to live, and I wish he got to live some more. Rest In Peace, buddy. ? https://t.co/PMf1jKT0Zc
— Wendy Molyneux (@WendyMolyneux) January 8, 2021
Walt Disney Studios is slated to release a Bob’s Burgers movie in 2021, with the entire cast and creative team intact — undoubtedly Creek will be sorely missed in a professional capacity as work on the upcoming animated film continues.
Per our previous coverage, Bob’s Burgers is set to release on April 9. According to IMDb, the movie was originally set to debut on July 17, 2020 — ironically, Disneyland Resort’s 65th anniversary — but was pushed back due to the pandemic.
The ITM team sends our sincerest condolences to all who knew Dave Creek during this incredibly challenging time.Â