'Ghostbusters' Director Ivan Reitman Passes Away at 75

Ivan Reitman, the director behind the original Ghostbusters films, has sadly died.

His family confirmed the sad news to the Associated Press, revealing Ivan passed way peacefully in his sleep Saturday night (February 12) at his home in Montecito, Calif.

“Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,” Ivan‘s three children, Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman and Caroline Reitman said in a joint statement.

They continued, “We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world. While we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will remember him always.”

Jason, who stepped behind the camera to continue the family legacy for Ghostbusters Afterlife, brought his dad to the premiere late last year.

In addition to Ghostbusters, Ivan also produced National Lampoon’s Animal House, and then directed Meatballs and Stripes.