We have sad news to announce as we have learned that filmmaker Jamie Blanks has passed away.
Blanks is best known for directing genre films such as Urban Legend, Valentine, Storm Warning, and Long Weekend.
The announcement, which can be seen in full below, was made on Twitter by his family.
“His death was unexpected, despite some ill health in recent years. and comes at a time when Jamie was preparing to direct another film. He was still very active supporting other filmmakers and developing his own projects.
“Anyone who was lucky to know Jamie was immediately struck by his talent, kindness, humanity, generosity of spirit and boundless enthusiasm for what he did in life but also – so importantly – for the people around him. This big, beautiful heart of his eventually gave way.
“We’re imagining him now in a better place, chatting up a storm about horror movies and music with many others he loved and admired who have passed before him. Honour him by watching one of his films or John Carpenter’s The Fog (a favourite film that inspired him to become a filmmaker) or listening to one of his music scores.”
Jamie Blanks, 29/11/1971 – 16/03/2026
FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENThttps://t.co/7QNUHcHUmj pic.twitter.com/pKU1JrxSfZ— Jamie Blanks (@BlanksJamie) March 20, 2026
The team at Horror News Network send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Blanks.
