The Simpsons' former music editor Chris Ledesma has passed away aged 64, as the world-famous sitcom paid a touching tribute to him in one of its recent episodes.
Chris worked on every episode of the iconic show for 33 years, since 1989, until he stepped down in May 2022, and his passing has clearly had an effect on the team who worked with him.
The show paid tribute to him on the latest episode via an animated version of Chris sitting alongside Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart on their sofa, as he held up his conductor’s baton.
The Simpsons kids were seen taking part, with Lisa on her saxophone, Maggie on the tambourine and Bart on the triangle.
A tribute note read: "In loving memory of Chris Ledesma."
Chris' cause of death has not been revealed.
Many of Chris' old workmates from the show penned touching tributes to him, as executive producer and showrunner Matt Selman wrote: "Chris Ledesma was a sweet, goofy guy with a giant heart — his amazing musical life is played out over 33 years of @TheSimpsons."
Former Simpsons showrunner Josh Weinstein said: "Chris Ledesma was one of the kindest, mega-talented people working on a crew full of kind, mega-talented people.
"I hadn’t worked with him in a while but his friendliness over twitter these last few years was truly felt. Rest in peace, dear Chris."
New music editor Jake Schaefer said: "Chris Ledesma's passion for music and for @TheSimpsons was an inspiration.
"I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with him this year. He was a great mentor and a genuine person. My heart goes out to his family. Rest In Peace Chris."
In September 2021 Chris marked the major milestone that he had worked on the show for "half his life".
He wrote: "Today is a significant milestone for me. I am 23,242 days old I have worked on The Simpsons for 11,621 days. Born 1/28/1958. First day on #TheSimpsons 11/22/1989.
"Not many can say they have worked at ANY job any more for LITERALLY half their lives."
As well as working on The Simpsons for 33 years, Chris also has music credits on Pure Country, Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Blast from the Past.
Chris lived in California, where he was born, for his whole life, and he attended the California Institute of the Arts and San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he was an orchestral major.
He and his wife Michelle were married for 39 years and share two daughters together, whilst he became a grandfather in 2010.
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