The Energon Pub

[Sabrblade]

From the Twitter of Josh Perez - https://twitter.com/dyemooch/status/1475135959628922885

This isn't the best of news to share, but please bare with me. I was informed by Derrick's sister that he has unexpectedly passed away earlier this month. There will be a more information from his family in the future, but for now I just want to let people know.

He was 49.

[Rodimus Prime]

That's terrible. I met him at BotCon 2011, he was a very nice person. I think Animated was as good as it was because of him. Condolences to his family.

[william-james88]

It is with a very heavy heart that we share you the news that Derrick J. Wyatt passed away earlier this month. While he has a mountain of accomplishments in the world of children's Television, we know him best as the art director and character designer for Transformers Animated. While the designs were very bold, they made for a memorable era in Transformers history, and were at the center of an excellent show and toyline, which fans still rave about to this day. Beyond his contributions to Transformers history, he was also very close to the community, appearing at Transformers events. Many among us have stories to share about meeting him and I hope you share them again now as we remember him. He was 49, and we learnt of his passing from Josh Perez who was contacted by Derrick's family.

[Evil Eye]

Well that really, really sucks. Rest in peace.

[TulioDude]

Rest in peace Derrick.

[o.supreme]

Wow, only 4 years older than me. I'm not a fan of TFA, but his love for Transformers definitely shined through in his work, my deepest condolences to friends and family.

[Sabrblade]

Worse still, this news comes today on the 14th anniversary of "Transform and Roll Out".

[AlexisSkrull]

I am very sad to hear this, condolences to his family!

[triKlops]

RIP DJW

[griftimus prime]

rip

[bluecatcinema]

A real tragedy. His work on Transformers Animated was truly inspired.

[Riot Riverman]

[Bumblevivisector]

Gone way too soon, especially for a creator whose style was distinct enough to stand out among any televised cartoons over the past 2 decades. Animated was my favorite TF series of all time, and he will be sorely missed.

[moshpit552]

Does any one here have any contact info for Derrick's family or next of kin? I have some videos of him from a TF club meet up in Long Beach from about 10 yrs ago that I'd like to share so they can have more memories of him.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

This was such sad news to hear. Derrick was definitely one of the best our fandom had to offer. Rest in Peace

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Does any one here have any contact info for Derrick's family or next of kin? I have some videos of him from a TF club meet up in Long Beach from about 10 yrs ago that I'd like to share so they can have more memories of him.

Best bet might be to tag the original poster of the news on Twitter and try to get him that way, I don't think anyone else is really public on twitter

https://twitter.com/dyemooch/status/1475135959628922885

[DeathReviews]

Alas. TFA is still the best series in recent history, and the toy line re-kindled the collecting bug in many of us with the unique designs. Wyatt helped us remember that Transformers could be FUN as well as cool.

[Sabrblade]

An update from Wyatt's daughter:

I’ve seen some comments here and there wondering about the cause of Derrick’s death. The truth is, we don’t know. There is some preliminary information from an autopsy, but it won’t be public until we know the final determination.

We know it seems some of it was due to heart issues. This is genetic. My grandfather died of a heart attack when he was young. I’ve always known my dad was 16 when his dad died, but the other day I asked how old my grandfather was. He said: 49. That hurts.

My dad has always been careful about his health, and closely monitored his heart especially. But he’s never had any issues. For some reason, I don’t think it occurred to either of us kids to consider our genetic proclivity to heart problems. Or at least, not something so sudden.

Anyway: take care care, everybody. Go to those medical appointments you’ve been putting off, especially preventative ones. It’s so easy to push them aside for “more important” things, but really nothing is more important than your life.

[joevill]

It is a sad day in our community. TFA is one of my all time favorites. I will rewatch in dedication to him.

'Till all are one!