Actor and comedian Jeffrey Garcia, best known for voicing the character Sheen Estevez in Nickelodeon's animated Jimmy Neutron film and television franchise, has died at the age of 48, his son, comedian Jojo Garcia, confirmed in an Instagram post shared on Wednesday (December 10).
"With a very heavy heart, I would like to inform everybody that my father, Jeff Garcia, has passed away," Jojo wrote. "My father was a unique soul. He was unapologetically himself and I will always admire the love, compassion, and drive that he had. He taught me so much and gave me advice that I live by every single day. He was a Father, Son, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, but most of all, he was my best friend. I would call him every day. I would tell him about the plans I had in comedy and my life. He believed in me, in a way that nobody else did.
"The talent my father possessed was truly one of a kind. From voice acting to stand up comedy, he shined with his quick wit, brash humor, and charm. He has made such an impact on people’s lives internationally, whether you grew up watching Jimmy Neutron, or shared a laugh with him at one of his shows. He was my hero… I idolized him. He may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten. He lives on through our family and friends he loved so dearly, along with the legacy he has created. I know you’re in heaven smiling down and you’re in a better place now. No more pain. I’m going to make you proud pops. Fly high, Rocket Man. LLJG."
Actress Debi Derryberry, who voiced Jimmy Neutron, also shared a tribute to her longtime former co-star.
"RIP @jeffgarciala i’m devastated to find out that my dear friend Jeff Garcia, who also played Sheen on Jimmy Neutron has passed away," Derryberry wrote. "We were all together just a a few months ago at a convention. He was always the funniest man in the room. We’re gonna miss you Sheen."
Garcia's official cause of death hasn't been publicly revealed but TMZ reported that he was hospitalized on Monday (December 8) after experiencing difficulty breathing and his lung was reported to have collapsed the following day. Garcia also reportedly suffered a brain aneurysm earlier this year, a stroke several weeks ago and was hospitalized on November 20 for pneumonia, according to TMZ.