Former Disney director and author Dave Hollis dies aged 47

Image source, Getty Images

By Madeline HalpertBBC News, New York

Dave Hollis, former head of Disney distribution turned self-help author, has died aged 47.

In a statement, Hollis' ex-wife, bestselling author Rachel Hollis, said the family was "devastated".

"I have no words and my heart is too broken to find them," she said.

Hollis' cause of death has not been determined, although he was recently hospitalized with "heart issues", a porter said. word of the family to the American media.

He passed away peacefully Saturday night at his home near Austin, Texas.

"Please wrap the children in prayers as we try to get through the unthinkable," his ex-wife Rachel Hollis said.

Hollis worked for Disney for 17 years, including seven as the company's head of distribution, before stepping down in 2018 to join his ex -woman in her professional projects.

While at Disney, Hollis helped oversee the relaunch of the Star Wars franchise as well as hits such as Frozen and Black Panther.