Nintendo has just released a a statement announcing that their president Satoru Iwata has passed away at the age of 55. Iwata took some time off for health reasons last year and did not attend E3 because of health issues.
The Statement reads:
Nintendo Co., Ltd. deeply regrets to announce that President Satoru Iwata passed away on July 11, 2015 due to a bile duct growth.
Before becoming president of Nintendo, Iwata worked on the Kirby series and Earthbound, he was also leading the company through Nintendo’s strongest and weakest points during the Gamecube periods till now. Iwata was a very well known figure in the industry and also for Nintendo fans who watched him during Nintendo Directs worldwide. Rest in Peace, Mr. Iwata.