Canadian filmmaker Reeyaz Habib has died at age 53.

The producers of Habib’s feature directorial debut Fat Lady Sriracha, which is in post-production, issued a news release on Wednesday (June 14) confirming his “sudden and unexpected passing.”

“Reeyaz was a wonderfully kind spirit, full of an excitement for life, and telling the complex yet necessary stories within it,” said producer Jaskaran Singh. “He brought us all together to fulfill a lifelong dream. We’re extremely grateful for the time and trust we got to have with him, and look forward to honouring his legacy by making sure his story gets told.”

Habib became a filmmaker after working 15 years in the Toronto financial district of Bay Street, according to the release, and was the first-ever Canadian recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant in 2022. He was a graduate of the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.

Habib was also a participant in the Canadian Film Centre’s 2021 Film Program Writers’ Lab, where he was described as “a recovering banker who found purpose and fulfillment in storytelling.”

Producers added that “we pray and hope that Reeyaz is at peace and wish his family the privacy and strength to grieve during this difficult time.”

Toronto Police issued a release on Tuesday (June 13) saying they’re investigating “a suspicious death” that occurred on June 8 in Toronto, identifying the deceased as Reeyaz Habib, 53, of Toronto.

Police said the homicide and missing persons unit has launched the investigation. Police had previously issued a statement on June 9 identifying Habib as a missing person, having last been seen on June 5.