Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, celebrated for his iconic works Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive, passed away at the age of 78.

His family shared the news via a Facebook post: “With profound sorrow, we, his family, announce the passing of David Lynch, both the man and the artist. We respectfully request privacy during this time. His absence leaves a void in the world. However, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.’ It's a beautiful day, bathed in golden sunshine and clear blue skies.”

In 2024, Lynch publicly revealed an emphysema diagnosis stemming from years of smoking, expressing his inability to continue directing. He stated then: "Yes, I have emphysema due to many years of smoking. I must admit, I deeply enjoyed smoking; I loved tobacco—its scent, lighting cigarettes, the act of smoking itself—but there's a price to pay, and for me, it's emphysema. I've quit smoking for over two years now. Recent tests reveal I'm in excellent health aside from the emphysema. I'm filled with happiness and will never retire."

Lynch's legacy is indelibly linked to the early 90s mystery series Twin Peaks, which chronicled FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper's investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer. Though initially canceled after two seasons, Lynch resurrected the series with the 2017 limited series Twin Peaks: The Return.

Tributes poured in from Hollywood figures on social media. James Gunn, head of DCU, tweeted: "RIP David Lynch. You inspired so many of us." Joe Russo, screenwriter of The Inheritance, Soul Mates, and The Au Pair Nightmare, tweeted: "No one saw the world like David Lynch. The world lost a master of cinema today."