Sources confirm that Eric Medalle, the creative design director for The Pokemon Company, has tragically passed away during a recent windstorm in Washington state.

It's never a happy day when we have to report on events like this, but news has broken that The Pokemon Company's creative design director Eric Medalle (age 42) has passed away after a tragic roadside accident at 1:30 this past Sunday afternoon. The accident was caused by a windstorm in an area known as Seward Park, and it occurred while Medalle's toddler-aged daughter was in the backseat of the vehicle. Fortunately, the child has survived the accident, but was said to have been treated for minor injuries.

Eric is survived by his wife Carrie and two daughters Iso and Nico, who are undoubtedly devastated in the aftermath of these tragic events. On behalf of everyone here at Game Rant, we extend our deepest condolences to the Medalle family at this time. His creative talents and obvious fondness for his family have been taken from us far too soon. Truly, he will be missed.

Medalle has been working on the Pokemon franchise since 2003, but more specifically worked on past iterations of the core series ranging from Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver on the Nintendo DS to the more recent Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire for the Nintendo 3DS. Clearly, his presence has been felt on the franchise, as he worked on the graphic design elements and artwork of these games for their North American and European debuts.

It's unknown at this time what he was working on for The Pokemon Company leading up to this tragic incident, but it wouldn't be surprising to hear mention that he was involved with the forthcoming Pokemon Sun and Moon games. Perhaps we won't know how much influence Medalle had on any up and coming titles from the company until more information is released on them, but it would be safe to assume that some of his artwork and concepts may still be utilized in a big way. In that sense, Medalle will forever live on in the hearts of fans that enjoyed his artwork.

Hopefully The Pokemon Company plans on memorializing the creative design director somehow within the mythos of the series. Given that he dedicated 13 years to the company and its corresponding franchises, there would be few acts more suitable to honoring a fallen comrade that's had such an integral role in the development of some of the firm's largest games.

Those that are hoping to support the family in their time of need are able to donate money to help send Eric Medalle's daughters Iso and Nico to school. A link to that ongoing drive can be found right here via YouCaring.com.

Source: King 5 News (via TechnoBuffalo)