It is with great sadness that we must deliver the news that Carrie Fisher, the actress best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies, has died at the age of 60. The news was first broken by People Magazine early this afternoon.

Family spokesman Simon Halls released a statement on behalf of Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd:

“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning,” reads the statement.

“She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”

Fisher was flying from London to Los Angeles on Friday, Dec. 23, when she went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics removed her from the flight and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she was treated for a heart attack. She later died in the hospital.

Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Fisher was the daughter of Hollywood legend Debbie Reynolds and landed the major Star Wars role when she was just 19. Her acting resume is long and filled with successes, and she most recently reprised the role of Leia Organa in The Force Awakens.

2016 continues to devastate the world with its ruthless aggression against those we love most.