Though only now being reported, on February 16th of this year, famed Wrong Turn director Declan O’Brien passed away at age 56. O’Brien was a writer, producer, and director best known for his work directing some of sequels within the Wrong Turn franchise, a successful horror series. He also directed Sharktopus in 2010 and even spent some time directing for Disney Channel for a film called Alice Upside Down that starred veterans from Camp Rock and High School Musical, as well as the late Luke Perry.

After originally attempting to make it as an actor, O’Brien left his home state of New York and came to California to earn his film degree. He attended Cal Poly Pomona and was thankfully able to aptly put his education to use during his professional career, a privilege many trying to make it in the arts are not as lucky to be able to do. His success was spread out not only within the United States but also internationally, having fifteen credits to his name in his various roles as writer, director, and producer.

Declan O’Brien os survived by his three children, and a funeral service will be held for the horror director on May 13.