Yesterday it was announced that Darwyn Cooke was battling cancer. Cooke had just turned 54 yesterday, the day the news broke of his battle. Posted on his blog:

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce Darwyn is now receiving palliative care following a bout with aggressive cancer. His brother Dennis and I, along with our families appreciate the outpouring of support we have received. We ask for privacy as we go through this very difficult time.

That was followed by an outpouring of admiration and support.

This morning Cooke’s family officially announced he had passed.

We regret to inform you that Darwyn lost his battle with cancer early this morning at 1:30 AM ET. We read all of your messages of support to him throughout the day yesterday. He was filled with your love and surrounded by friends and family at his home in Florida.

A longer statement will come later today.

In honor of the great creator the family is asking for donations to be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and Hero Initiative.

Cooke entered the comic world in 1985 and since then had impacted it with his stylized art that was unmistakable.

Our thoughts are with Cooke’s friends and family.