With a shattered heart, we are devastated to announce that Alps Sarsis passed away in his sleep on July 20th. His last day was one off of work (for once), spent chatting with friends including one of his oldest and most beloved ones, and then goofing around. Alps’ last conversation with his beloved wife, Ithunna, was happy and full of laughs. Their last words were “I love you.” Alps went to sleep happy and now slumbers eternally.

This is a shock to us all. Yes, unfortunately it is real.

Alps was an incredible husband, cherished father to Pup, son-in-law, brother, uncle, and friend to so many. He positively affected those around him. Alps was a loving soul who brought so many of us together. He created diverse worlds through written and drawn art. After the debut of Zootopia in 2016, he began a beloved fanfic called Guardian Blue. He did his best through his life and art to bring hope to people. Stories have poured in from around the globe from people he has inspired, lives he saved, and overall making people feel heard and valued.

Please focus on the smiles that he brought to your life. He was an amazing world creator, writer, artist, and story teller. Alps knew so much about just about everything. Know that when insanity or butterflies are around, so is Alps. He will be with us always.

During this very difficult time, we ask for privacy as we navigate this new norm. On behalf of the Sarsis Family, we cannot thank everyone enough for their support. You are making this hellacious nightmare just a little easier.

In closing, we want to share something Pup said as we talked of Alps. Pup learned that Alps was supposed to be a best man at a wedding but declined because Pup was due around that time. Fun fact, the wedding and Pup’s birth ended up being the same day. Here is what Pup said a short time later:

“He may not have been the best man at the wedding, but he was the best man for our world.”

 Scappo created this incredible tribute to Alps.