Shocking and heartwrenching news. I did not know Steve all that well, but we did correspond a couple of times. He was definitely one of the inspirations that, to this day, drives me to learning 3D modeling and animation, and he was a great source of encouragement to pursue visual effects, even in my own limited way.
Good bye, Steve. You will be greatly missed.
![salute](http://www.colonialfleets.com/forums/images/smilies/colonial-salute.gif)
My sincerest condolences go to his family and to those who knew him better.