Pokemon Creative Design Director Killed in Tragic Accident

Pokemon Company creative designer director Eric Medalle died on Sunday in Seattle after a massive tree fell on his car during a windstorm. Medalle, 42, was in the driver's seat of the vehicle in Seattle's Seward Park when the tree crushed the car, according to a report from The Seattle Times.

After the tree snapped and fell on Medalle's BMV, a passerby managed to help a toddler girl escape from the crushed BMW SUV. She suffered minor injuries and is expected to survive.

"It's good that the little girl was able to get out, but unfortunately it's a sad story," Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Corey Orvold told The Seattle Times.

The windstorm took down trees and power lines across Seattle; wind gusts were estimated to exceed 50 mph and more than 200,000 customers reported losing power.

Medalle is the only reported fatality from the windstorm. He leaves behind a wife Carrie, a school teacher; and two children, girls Isa (6) and Nico (almost 2). A YouCaring page has been established to help pay for his daughters to go to college.

His LinkedIn page shows that he worked at The Pokemon Company since November 2003. According to Bulbapedia, his credits include:

• Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
• Pokemon X and Y
• Pokemon Black and White Versions 2
• Pokemon Conquest
• Pokemon Black and White Versions
• Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs
• Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions
• Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

GameSpot wishes to extend its condolences to the family and friends of Eric Medalle.