There's some very sad news in the film world today as Snakes on a Plane director David R. Ellis has passed away.

The stuntman turned director had been in South Africa preparing for a live action remake of Japanese anime hit Kite when he died, Deadline and The Huffington Post report. The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear but it has been confirmed that he died in Johannesburg on Monday.

Ellis
took his first steps behind the camera with Disney's Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco, before going on to direct Final Destination 2, Cellular, Snakes On A Plane, Asylum, The Final Destination and Shark Night 3D. He had an extensive stunt career, either performing or coordinating stunt routines for films like Scarface, Smokey And The Bandit, Days Of Thunder, Lethal Weapon and Patriot Games.

RIP.