Police are investigating the death of ‘Snakes on a Plane director’, David R. Ellis after he was found dead in his hotel room.
The body of the 60-year-old film-maker was discovered in the bathroom of the room where he was staying in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday.
Police spokesman Lt Col Lungelo Dlamini: “Nothing was found to be missing from his room and no foul play is being suspected at this stage.
“The US Embassy has been informed and are believed to be making necessary arrangements for the body to be taken to his own country.”
David, who was married with three children, was last seen by a friend on Saturday night, when they met for dinner.
A post mortem examination has already been carried out but the results are yet to be released.
Samuel L. Jackson, the star of the 2006 movie, tweeted his sadness at the news.
He wrote: “So sad to hear of David R Ellis passing! So talented, so kind, such a Good Friend. He’ll be missed. Gone too soon!”
The director started his career as a child star in Disney films in 1974, but switched to a career as a stuntman and stunt co-ordinator, working on Hollywood blockbusters including Waterworld, Clear and Present Danger and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
He made his directorial debut in 1996 with Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco and went on to direct Final Destination 2 and Asylum, as well as Snakes on a Plane.
He was in Johannesburg working on Kite, a remake of the 1998 Japanese movie which was also to have starred Samuel L. Jackson.