We’ve learned some tragic news – longtime Sega artist and designer Rieko Kodama (小玉 理恵子) has passed away at the age of 59.

News that Kodama passed away was noticed in the staff roll from the newly-launched Sega Genesis Mini 2, where a fan saw the message “In memory of Rieko Kodama” in the credits. The user then pinged Sega produce Yosuke Okunari, who then confirmed Rieko had passed.

“As you understand it. We respected her,” Okunari said of her passing. Sega then confirmed (via Famitsu) Rieko actually passed away back on May 9th, but news of her passing was made public with the Mini 2’s release.

“We pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased, and we are grateful for the great contribution Rieko has made,” the company said in a statement. Sega refrained making her death public at the time, out of respect for her family.

Rieko joined Sega Enterprises way back in 1984, where she built up a career as a graphic designer, director, and producer – while also showing off many skills in many games she worked on.

Her most prominent works include titles like artwork for Alex Kidd in Miracle World, head of development on Skies of Arcadia, and even artwork for big Sega titles like Sonic the Hedgehog 1 +2, Altered Beast, Magic Knight Rayearth, and more.

At the Game Developer’s Conference 2018, Rieko Kodama was also given the Pioneer Award, which was given in recognition of her lifelong contributions to video games and development.