Volition has confirmed that Saints Row community developer Mike Watson has passed away at age 50.

The company informed its community of his passing on Twitter, saying that Watson joined the studio as a fan, and grew to become “woven indelibly into the heart of our studio.”

Watson’s passing came after a battle with cancer over the last year. Former Volition game designer Ryan McCabe praised Watson as a colleague and friend on ResetEra. “His passion was palpable and infectious for everything he loved,” McCabe wrote.

“From comics to movies to games to Saints Row...and for as much as he loved them, it was always clear that more than anything, he loved his friends even more.”

Watson had informed the Saints Row community of his cancer diagnosis in the last year. In response, the community made a tribute video for him that you can view here.