Fans Say Goodbye To 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Creator, Stephen Hillenburg

Main image via Twitter

Sad news guys. The man who brought SpongeBob SquarePants to life, has passed away.

Stephen Hillenburg was diagnosed in March last year with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) which led to his passing at the age of 57.

Image via Far Out Magazine

As reported in Variety, Nickelodeon released a statement on creator's passing:

"We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS. 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 humour and innocence that has brough 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."

💛 We are sad to share the news of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. Today, we are observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work. 💛

— Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) November 27, 2018

Fans of the megahit series came out in throngs to say goodbye to the creator of their beloved SpongeBob.

Was a genius indeed😐😐 RIP sir pic.twitter.com/KGNyqAc1Zg

— Mr.Hagan👽 (@GiggsHagan) November 27, 2018

pic.twitter.com/5Hbk7U1yfy

— Kermit Cohen (@cohen_kermit) November 27, 2018

Everyone knows and loves SpongeBob♡ What Stephen created is definitely not just a normal kids show! My friends, many other people I know and of course I myself still use SpongeBob references almost daily. :(

Mr. Hillenburg leaves us a masterpiece and shall be greatly missed~ pic.twitter.com/yLbtT13iPe

— Ninatastic (@Yarinto) November 27, 2018

Rest In Peace Stephen Hillenburg. :,( We will never forget you. :,( pic.twitter.com/5BUHaDpr9u

— Donkey Kong's Greatest Enemy (@KingKRool4Ever) November 27, 2018

I grew up with spongebob as a young kid. Stephen Hillenburg will forever be missed, but his show will continue to inspire and amuse future generations for sure. pic.twitter.com/4AZE7DlWeV

— 🎄that time of the year🎄 (@corporeal_cat) November 28, 2018

Goodbye old friend. pic.twitter.com/LoO8fAQAbK

— Jose Baez (@Jose27684716) November 27, 2018

My Childhood Star has died, what a hero for all his amazing work. I think that if Spongebob Squarepants never was created then I don’t think other TV Shows would have gotten better. He made up most of my childhood and me and my friends still to this day laugh at the jokes. RIP😭

— DatOneDerpyBoi (@DatDerpy) November 27, 2018

“He’s moved on to the big kitchen drawer in the sky”

— BKakes (@koehlsdabomb) November 28, 2018

Thank you for SpongeBob, Stephen.

Info via Variety