Don Payne, best known as writer and producer of several episodes of The Simpsons, has sadly passed away from circumstances that're currently unknown. His longtime associate on the animated sitcom, Mike Scully, broke the unfortunate news on Twitter earlier today. Beyond The Simpsons, Payne co-wrote screenplays for comic book films Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Marvel Studios' Thor and its upcoming sequel, The Dark World. While Payne is also expected to receive story credit for the latter film, we can only hope the 2013 Marvel sequel will be dedicated to his memory when it releases this Winter. Another big-screen adaptation in development, that Payne worked on, is based on the novel series Maximum Ride.
Upon having the pleasure of chatting with the great writer through many emails, I found out Don Payne was not only an active follower of our little site, among many others, but more importantly an all around thoughtful person, who has certainly gone too soon. Our deep condolences and prayers go out to Don's family, friends and other close associates. May he rest in peace.