Popular web-based animator Monty Oum passed away Feb. 1 at age 33, after suffering a severe allergic reaction during a medical procedure that left him in a coma.
Working in animation since the early 2000s, Oum became well known for his work with Rooster Teeth productions, especially on the Red vs. Blue and RWBY series.
He won two awards for RWBY in 2014: A Streamy Award for Best Animated channel, show or series, and an International Academy of Web Television Award for Best Animated Series.
Oum fought bravely and was well cared for, never experiencing any pain in his time in the hospital, a statement released today on Rooster Teeth’s web site reads.
The love and support of Oum’s fans was strongly evident over the 10-day period he was in the hospital before passing. A statement was released Fri. Jan. 30 informing the public of Oum’s condition, which included a link to a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to raise money to help his family pay for medical costs.
The goal of $50,000 was reached in just one hour, and three days later the campaign has raised almost $186,000 and counting. The love and support for Oum and his family has been incredible, for sure.
Oum is survived by his wife Sheena, his father Mony, his brothers Woody, Sey, Chivy and Neat and his sisters Thea and Theary, as well as “a countless number of friends and fans.”
In the statement released today, the team at Rooster Teeth ask that instead of sending flowers or gifts, that you “do something creative.”
“Use your imagination to make the world a better place in any way that you can. If you know Monty like we do, then you know he would certainly be doing that if he were able to.”
To help support Oum’s family and friends, the GoFundMe campaign is still open for donations.
