Monty Oum Dies: ‘RWBY’ Creator And Rooster Teeth Collaborator Dead After Brief Hospitalization

Monty Oum has died after a brief hospitalization, leaving fans of the web-based animator shocked and in mourning.

Oum, 33, was known for his crossover fighting videos and his work with Rooster Teeth Productions, where he animated Red vs. Blue and RWBY.

“Our friend, inspiration and co-worker Monty Oum passed away yesterday afternoon at 4:34 PM surrounded by people who loved him very much,” the Rooster Teeth team announced Monday. “Ten days ago Monty suffered a severe allergic reaction during a simple medical procedure that left him in a coma. Although he fought bravely, his body was not able to recover.”

Monty Oum had been hospitalized for the past few days, and the Rooster Teeth teams has announced the launch of a GoFundMe campaign to help him and his family. The campaign soared past its $50,000 goal, raising close to $200,000 within days of its launch.

The page also updated fans on Oum’s situation.

“It is with great regret that I must inform you that our co-worker and our dear friend, Monty Oum, has had a medical emergency. He is currently hospitalized in critical care and it is not known if he will recover. He is receiving the best medical care possible and is surrounded by both family and friends who love him very much. While we wanted you to know as soon as possible, we also have the utmost respect for Monty’s privacy and we hope you will understand and share in that respect.

“Monty is a tremendous talent who has accomplished so much in his young life. He has an amazing creative ability and the drive to put it to use. That is a rare combination and we are proud to have shared in it. We expect that this news will be shocking to most of you and very difficult to process. It has been for many of us as well. Our hearts are with Monty, his wife Sheena and his brothers & sisters. They will need your good thoughts, your prayers, whatever kindness you have to offer.

“A fund has been been established to assist Monty’s family with his medical expenses. If you wish to show your support in that fashion, please visit this link.

“We love you, Monty.”

Monty Oum gained fame after releasing his film Haoid, which pitted Metroid‘s Samus against Halo‘s Master Chief. The video was loaded to GameTrailers and garnered more than 4 million views, making it the most popular video on the site.

After news spread that Monty Oum was dead, Rooster Teeth asked fans to honor his memory by “doing something creative,” and using our imaginations to make the world a better place.

[Image via Austin Chronicle]