Some tragic news has hit today as Deadline reports that director David R. Ellis has passed away at age 60. The cause of death is currently unknown, but Ellis was said to have been on-location in Johannesburg, South Africa prepping what was to be his next feature film, an adaptation of the Japanese OVA Kite with Samuel L. Jackson attached to star.

Ellis, who was born and raised in Hollywood, California, began his career as an actor and stuntman, eventually moving to directing with his debut feature, Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco. From there, Ellis went on to make a name for himself in the thriller genre with films like Final Destination 2, The Final Destination, Cellular, Shark Night, Asylum and, also with Jackson, Snakes on a Plane.

Ellis is survived by his wife, Cindy, and their daughter, Tawny.

(Photo Credit: WENN.com)