SXSW Gaming Expo coordinator, developer Matthew Crump dies

Matthew Crump, a longtime game developer and the coordinator of the SXSW Gaming Expo, passed away March 2 after a heart attack, according to an obituary on the SXSW website.

Crump joined the SXSW Gaming team in the fall of 2012, and spearheaded the effort to establish the SXSW Gaming Expo's first-ever awards show, which will take place during SXSW 2014 on March 8. Prior to working for SXSW, Crump had spent 17 years as a game developer, with stints at Armature Studio, UTV Ignition Entertainment and Electronic Arts. His credits include titles such as Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, Spider-Man 2, Turok Evolution and Ultima Online.

"Matthew loved talking about sports, travel and life. He believed passionately in the importance of increasing diversity at SXSW and also in the importance of increasing diversity in the gaming industry. His life seemed to be coming together in so many ways and he was excited about the future. Matthew, we hope you are enjoying some incredible video games on the other side," wrote Hugh Forrest, director of SXSW Interactive.

Update: Crump had just turned 40 last week, a representative for the SXSW Gaming Expo told Polygon. "It's definitely a great loss for our team," the rep added.