RIP: Joe Ranft

Dammit.

Joe Ranft, one of the big enchiladas at Pixar, left us yesterday. An auto accident of some kind. He was story supervisor on Toy Story and Toy Story 2, storyboard supervisor on James and the Giant Peach and Nightmare Before Christmas, and directing animator on Brave Little Toaster. He was also the voice of Jacques in Finding Nemo, Wheezy in Toy Story 2 and my favorite character from Bug's Life: Heimlich. "One day I will be a beauuuuutiful butterfly and everything will be better."

Much remembrance of the man is taking place at Cartoon Brew and Animation Nation.

Our thoughts go out to his friends and family. He will be sorely missed.

Update: Disney Blog has some info as well.

Update: More details on the accident at the Hollywood Reporter.