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.
My sincerest condolences go to his family and to those who knew him better.