Scooby-Doo creator Joe Ruby dies aged 87

Joe Ruby, the co-creator behind the iconic cartoon series Scooby-Doo, has died at the age of 87.

The animation writer and executive reportedly passed away due to natural causes on Wednesday in Westlake Village, California.

Per Variety, Warner Bros. Animation and Blue Ribbon Content president Sam Register said in a statement:

"Joe Ruby made Saturday mornings special for so many children, including myself.

"He was one of the most prolific creators in our industry who gifted us some of animation’s most treasured characters and it was a thrill to host him at our studio.

"Scooby-Doo has been a beloved companion on screens for more than 50 years, leaving an enduring legacy that has inspired and entertained generations.

"We at Warner Bros. Animation have the privilege and honor of carrying on that legacy and send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones."

On the official Scooby-Doo Instagram page, a spokesperson wrote: "Thank you, Joe Ruby, for co-creating and giving the world one of the grooviest cartoons that continues to influence generations today and beyond."

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Along with partner Ken Spears, Ruby created the beloved crime-solving kids' cartoon, which featured Velma, Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, and Great Dane Scooby-Doo, who traveled in their Mystery Machine to help unmask the bad guys.

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Ruby and Spears also created Dynomut and Jabberjaw during their time at Hanna-Barbera.

Joe's grandson, Benjamin Ruby, said: "He never stopped writing and creating, even as he aged."

Scooby-Doo first premiered on CBS all the way back in 1969. The show underwent several edits - such as making the lead characters members of a rock band - before the duo finally settled on the format with love today.

Ruby and Spears wrote the first five episodes of the show, and oversaw the story editing for the rest of the first season. The original series ran until 1976 and spawned many series reboots and movies.

In an interview with fan website ScoobyAddicts.com, Ruby was once asked whether he had ever eaten a Scooby snack, to which he replied:

"No, we've never eaten a Scooby Snack. We imagined they were just going to be a super delicious doggy snack."

Spears added that the pair never expected the now-iconic characters to endure, telling the site:  "We were worried it wouldn't last but one season."

Ruby started his career working as an inbetweener at Walt Disney Productions. After serving in the Navy and working in television editing, he met Spears while working at Hanna-Barbera Productions.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carole, four children, and 10 grandchildren.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.