50 Best Fan Tributes To The Late 'SpongeBob Squarepants' Creator Stephen Hillenburg

Stephen Hillenburg used his love of drawing and marine biology to develop the underwater world of Bikini Bottom. On Tuesday, the cartoonist who created Sspongebob SquarePants died at the age of 57. The devastating news was confirmed by the network that has broadcast the hugely popular cartoon series since 1999, Nickelodeon.

According to the company, the famous cartoonist's cause of death was motor neuron disease (also known as ALS), a condition he revealed he had been diagnosed with in March last year.

Hillenburg graduated from Humboldt State University in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Planning and Interpretation, emphasizing on marine resources. It allowed him to become a marine biology teacher at the Orange County Marine Institute (now the Ocean Institute) in Dana Point, California. Combine this experience with the Master of Fine Arts he earned in 1992, and you'll understand why this cartoon artist was so good at creating stories as teaching tools.

SpongeBob Squarepants has aired nearly 250 episodes to date. And the way the fans of the show are mourning Hillenburg's passing is clear that he and his work won't be forgotten. Since hearing the shocking news, people have been sharing the tributes with the famous cartoon characters they have created in honor of the animator who is survived by his wife of 20 years, Karen, and son Clay. Bored Panda has collected some of them, inviting you to pay your respects.(h/t variety)