Once Upon a Time and Supernatural actor Chris Gauthier is dead at 48 as his family ask for privacy so that they are 'able to grieve properly'

Once Upon a Time and Supernatural actor Chris Gauthier has died at the age of 48.

The English-born Canadian star passed on Friday, February 23. His talent agency TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent revealed the sad news to TVLine in a statement. 

His cause of death has not yet been released at this time. Gauthier is survived by his wife Erin and their two sons.

'We can confirm that our dear friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48,' the statement from his agency read.

'As a beloved character actor, Chris shared his talents with so many of us both on television and in film. His loss is felt not just by his fans but by those of us who were lucky enough to know him more personally.'

Once Upon a Time and Supernatural actor Chris Gauthier has died at the age of 48. The English-born Canadian star passed on Friday, February 23

His cause of death has not yet been released at this time. Gauthier is survived by his wife Erin and their two sons; seen in as still from Supernatural

'On behalf of his family, we do ask for privacy during this time so that they are able to grieve properly.'

Gauthier’s most fan-beloved roles included Neville in Need for Speed: Carbon and William Smee in Once Upon a Time.

He also starred in Supernatural, Harper’s Island, Smallville, Sanctuary, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Legends of Tomorrow the Charmed reboot and, most recently, Joe Pickett. 

His movie roles included 40 Days and 40 Nights, Agent Cody Banks and Freddy vs. Jason.

Following Gauthier's death, fans took to social media to remember him with touching tributes.

Colin O’Donoghue, who played Captain Killian 'Hook' Jones on ABC TV show Once Upon a Time also paid tribute.

'Rest in Peace Chris! Heartbroken! My love and thoughts go out to Erin and the boys! You will be missed brother! You were the real captain!!' he wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of them from the show.

Others also shared photos of the actor as they expressed their condolences.

'His loss is felt not just by his fans but by those of us who were lucky enough to know him more personally,' his talent agency shared in a statement; he's seen in 2017 at a charity match

Gauthier's most fan-beloved roles included Neville in Need for Speed: Carbon and William Smee in Once Upon a Time (seen in a still from Once Upon a Time)

He also starred in Supernatural, Harper’s Island, Smallville (pictured), Sanctuary, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Legends of Tomorrow the Charmed reboot and, most recently, Joe Pickett

Colin O’Donoghue, who played Captain Killian 'Hook' Jones on ABC TV show Once Upon a Time,  paid tribute to Chris after learning the news

Fans also took to social media to remember him with touching tributes

'What??? Wow. This is so heartbreaking. I remember meeting Chris at a convention and he was so nice and fun to talk to. RIP Chris Gauthier. You'll always be my favorite Mr. Smee'

'Gone too soon...Chris Gauthier will be missed by many'

'What is a pirate without his first mate...I am heartbroken. He will be dearly missed. He was the best Smee a Captain could ask for,' another person added

The outpouring of touching messages continued 

Many fans named all the incredible roles the actor played 

'Such a kind,  sweet, and talented person. You will be missed' 

'Thank you for you light, your positivity & you guidance through the years,' another person wrote

'I am sending my love, prayers, condolences and compassion to each and every family member and all his friends'

'What??? Wow. This is so heartbreaking. I remember meeting Chris at a convention and he was so nice and fun to talk to. RIP Chris Gauthier. You'll always be my favorite Mr. Smee.' 

'I am truly shocked and saddened by this heartbreaking news of Chris Gauthier he was funny and sweet. I am sending all my love, prayers, condolences and compassion to each and every family member and all his friends.'

'What is a pirate without his first mate...I am heartbroken. He will be dearly missed. He was the best Smee a Captain could ask for,' another person added. 

'Gone too soon...Chris Gauthier will be missed by many. Following Chris I learned he was passionate about everything he stood for! The kindness he showed to the OUAT fandom was sweet and truly appreciated! I'm so very sorry for his family and friends loss. Fly high Mr. Smee.' 

'Chris Gauthier, you were one of a kind, my friend. Thank you for your light, your positivity, & your guidance through the years. Most importantly, thank you for all the laughs we shared. Wouldn't be here without you.'