According to a Deadline report, Richard Bates has died. He was 70. Bates served as The Walt Disney Company’s Senior Vice President, U.S. Government Relations. Bates took the position in 2010.

Bates worked for The Walt Disney Company for 29 years. Before his Disney tenure, Bates was the executive director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger and Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek issued a joint statement upon learning of Bates’ passing.

All of us at Disney are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our longtime colleague and dear friend Richard Bates. As head of our Government Relations team in Washington, D.C., Richard was second to none in his field —- widely respected for his incredible achievements and beloved for his extraordinary kindness, compassion, and irresistible wit. He was passionate about his work and approached it with the same astuteness and unwavering enthusiasm he demonstrated when he first joined Disney three decades ago. For those of us lucky enough to have known Richard personally, his loss is profound. He will be deeply missed, and our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Rose, their sons Ricky and Chris, and his entire family.

Bob Iger and Bob Chapek joint statement

Bates is survived by his wife, Rose, and sons Ricky and Chris.

This is the second death today in the extended Disney family. Earlier today, we reported on the passing of Disney Legend Ron Dominguez.