David Lynch—the great American film director known for his dark, unsettling, surrealist imagery—died today, leaving a large gap behind in the world of art house cinema. He was 78 years old. Film lovers of every generation mourned Lynch passing on Thursday.

"It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch," the post read. "We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There's a big hole in the world now that he's no longer with us.

David Lynch, the filmmaker celebrated for his uniquely dark and dreamlike vision in such movies as “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive” and the TV series “Twin Peaks,” has died just days before his 79th birthday.