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

His cause of death has not 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,” his office’s statement said.

“A beloved actor, Chris shared his talents with so many of us, both on television and in film. His loss is felt not only by his fans, but by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him personally.”

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

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

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

“On behalf of his family, we ask for privacy during this time so that they can properly grieve.”

Gauthier’s most beloved roles include 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 film roles include 40 Days and 40 Nights, Agent Cody Banks and Freddy vs. Jason.

After Gauthier’s death, fans took to social media to remember him with moving tributes.

Colin O’Donoghue, who played Captain Killian ‘Hook’ Jones in the 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 at the show.

Others also shared photos of the actor while offering their condolences.

“His loss is felt not only by his fans, but by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him personally,” his talent agency shared in a statement;  he was spotted at a charity match in 2017

“His loss is felt not only by his fans, but by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him personally,” his talent agency shared in a statement; he was spotted at a charity match in 2017

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

Gauthier’s most beloved roles include 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.

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 in the ABC TV show Once Upon a Time, paid tribute to Chris after hearing the news

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

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

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

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

‘What??? Wow. This is so heartbreaking. I remember meeting Chris at a conference 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'

‘Gone too soon…Chris Gauthier will be missed by many’

'What's a pirate without his first mate... I'm devastated.  He will be greatly missed.  He was the best Smee a captain could ask for,” another added

‘What’s a pirate without his first mate… I’m devastated. He will be greatly missed. He was the best Smee a captain could ask for,” another added

The flow of moving messages continued

The flow of moving messages continued

Many fans mentioned all the incredible roles that the actor played

Many fans mentioned all the incredible roles that the actor played

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

‘What a kind, sweet and talented person. You will be missed’

“Thank you for your light, your positivity and your guidance over the years,” someone else wrote

“Thank you for your light, your positivity and your guidance over the years,” someone else wrote

“I send my love, prayers, condolences and condolences to every family member and all their friends.”

“I send my love, prayers, condolences and condolences to every family member and all their friends.”

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

‘I am truly shocked and saddened by this heartbreaking news about Chris Gauthier, he was funny and sweet. I send all my love, prayers, condolences and condolences to every family member and all their friends.”

‘What’s a pirate without his first mate… I’m devastated. He will be greatly missed. He was the best Smee a captain could ask for,” another added.

‘Gone too soon…Chris Gauthier will be missed by many. By following Chris, I learned that he was passionate about everything he stood for! The kindness he showed to the OUAT fandom was sweet and truly appreciated! I am deeply sorry for the loss of his family and friends. Fly high Mr. Smee.”

“Chris Gauthier, you were one of a kind, my friend. Thank you for your light, your positivity and your guidance over the years. Most importantly, thank you for all the laughter we shared. Without you I wouldn’t be here.’