Carrie Fisher, best known for her role as Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” franchise passed away, December 27 2016 at the age of 60. Fisher suffered a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles, she was rushed to the hospital on December 24 and passed away three days later.

Simon Halls released a statement confirming Fisher’s death on behalf of her daughter, Billie Lourd.

“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning. She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Her death follows a heightened interest in the “Star Wars” franchise as Disney purchased the rights to the series on October 30, 2012 and has since released two movies, “Episode VII: The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One.”