The son of The Muppets and Sesame Street creator Jim Henson, John Henson, has died suddenly at the age of 48.

The Jim Henson Company posted the sad news on their Facebook page on Saturday (15th February). The statement said Henson had died suddenly of a "massive heart attack" on Friday (14th February).

The full statement read: "It is with great sadness that we confirm that John Henson, son of Jim and Jane Henson and brother to Lisa, Cheryl, Brian and Heather, died at age 48 of a sudden massive heart attack on Friday, February 14, while at home with his daughter. John served as a shareholder and board member of The Jim Henson Company. He leaves two daughters, Katrina (15) and Sydney (10) and his wife Gyongyi. A private service is being planned."

Fans of the Muppets will recognise John as the voice of Sweetums. John worked on a number of The Muppets films, most notably Muppet Treasure Island, Muppets from Space' and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz. 

Following the death of Jim Henson in 1990, a number of his relatives have continued working in the family business. Henson's daughter Lisa is CEO whilst his son Brian acts as the company's chairman. John Henson is best known for working as a puppeteer although he was involved in the company, as shareholder and board member, as listed as one of the family on their website. 

John is not the only member of his family to die suddenly, as his father Jim was merely 53-years-old when he passed in 1990. His mother lived a longer life but died in April of last year of cancer at the age of 78.

Contactmusic sends their condolences to all of John Henson's family and friends at this sad time.