Skyward creator Jeremy Dale passed away at the age of 34 on Monday, November 3, 2014. Dale’s wife, Kelly, announced the sad news today on Facebook.

Part of the statement can be read below.

It is with great difficulty that I share with you this awful news. Late in the evening of November the third, my husband Jeremy Dale passed away. He was hospitalized, and surrounded by his friends. His doctors say he passed without pain or suffering.

Jeremy’s passing was sudden, and a shock to everyone. The delay in sharing this sad news was so that we could contact Jeremy’s family and close friends. Final arrangements are still being made, and will be shared on Jeremy’s Facebook page as details come together.

Jeremy loved you all very much- he appreciated your support and your friendship. Thank you so much for your understanding during this very difficult time.

We at Geeks of Doom feel personally connected to this tragedy, as my wife Sarah Pfeffer (Geeks of Doom’s Pfeff-Bot) and I had the privilege of meeting Dale less than a month ago at New York Comic Con. Dale was selling newly printed trade paperbacks of Skyward, and since I had previously reviewed and enjoyed it, I purchased a copy. It wasn’t until I sat down and checked out the cover that I noticed that a quote from my review had been printed on the back. Sarah and I immediately walked back to Dale’s booth in “Artist Alley” to introduce ourselves and tell the funny story to him and his wife, Kelly. We chatted and snapped a photo together before we parted ways. I will never forget his kind, approachable, friendly manner and the love that was obvious between the two of them.

In my second review for Skyward, it was clear to me that Dale had found his stride, “Illustrating true instances of bravery, authentic relationships, and a storyline that positively moves forward with each issue.” Jeremy Dale was a unique talent who will be missed.

Note: A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover costs for Kelly Dale, and has already raised over $9,700 in 4 hours. Click here to donate.

Skyward creator Jeremy Dale with Geeks of Doom’s Max Pfeffer

[Source: via Comic Book Resources]

[Article Updated: Fixed an error where we incorrectly listed Jeremy’s age.]