Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in a plane crash

Claude Guillemot, co-founder of French video game company Ubisoft, died on Friday at the age of 69.

According to French media (via Bloomberg), Guillemot died in a plane crash in the French resort of La Baule. He was one of two people on board the plane who died.

Guillemot founded Ubisoft with his four brothers in 1986. Since then, the company has published the Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Prince of Persia, and Tom Clancy video game franchises, as well as many others. The family retains control of Ubisoft, and Guillemot’s brother Yves remains CEO.

Guillemot was also president of Guillemot Corp, which makes gaming and audio accessories.

“Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, the group’s co-founder and president of Guillemot Corp, in an accident,” Ubisoft said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time.”