R.I.P. 'Metalocalypse' Director Jon Schnepp

He suffered a "catastrophic stroke" earlier this month

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Jul 20, 2018

Metalocalypse director, writer and producer Jon Schnepp has died after being taken off life support following a "catastrophic stroke." He was 51.

Schnepp's fiancée Holly Payne confirmed Schnepp had passed peacefully yesterday (July 19) in a statement, writing that "there was no possible way for him to recover" from his condition. Schnepp had been placed on life support earlier this week.

"Jon ultimately succumbed to the effects of a massive stroke" the statement reads. "He had a blood clot removed from his left carotid artery, but the bleeding could not be stopped. "Irreparable and catastrophic damage was caused to both hemispheres and all brain activity ceased."

Payne continued, "My life has been forever changed by Jon. I feel endlessly grateful to have shared 16 years of laughter, love and incredible adventures together, including the making a feature film, as well as a television series that I hope to complete and release later this year in his honor.

"Jon's mother Miriam, his father David, his sister Deborah and I are devastated beyond measure. We appreciate your love and support, and most importantly your understanding of our privacy at this time as we grieve."

Payne started a GoFundMe campaign to cover Schnepp's medical expenses. As of press time, the campaign had raised $104,955 of its $150,000 goal. You can find it here.

Schnepp lent his talents to Metalocalypse throughout the show's six-year run from 2006 to 2013, directing episodes and designing the show's five main characters, known best as fictional death metal band Dethklok. Schnepp provided animated visuals for the fictional group's 2009 tour with Mastodon.

Outside of Metalocalypse, Schnepp worked on late-night TV staples Aqua Teen Hunger ForceSpace Ghost Coast to Coast and Venture Bros.

Schnepp was also an extra in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, in addition to music videos for Iron Maiden's "Be Quick or Be Dead" and Metallica's "The Memory Remains." He also directed music videos for I Set My Friends on Fire and Forbidden.

This story was last updated at 3 p.m. EDT.

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