So sad!

Stephen Hillenburg, creator of the hit Nickelodeon cartoon series “SpongeBob SquarePants,” died on Monday, he was 57.

The cause of death was ALS, which he revealed he had been diagnosed with in March of 2017.

“We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS,” Nickelodeon said in a statement. “He was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family. Steve imbued ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship and the limitless power of imagination.”

Read more via variety.com.