Weta Digital staff are in shock at the death of former compositor Juan Pablo Lampe, who has been killed in a freak accident while touring India with his partner.
Mr Lampe was attacked by a stray bull, dying of his neck injury in hospital.
The 29-year-old had moved from Argentina to Wellington in 2009, where he worked as a senior compositor at Weta and was also an active member of the local Latin community.
"We are all greatly saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague and friend," said Weta human resources manager Brendan Keys.
"Juan was a dedicated part of our crew for six years and a talented compositor, who worked with us on a number of great films.
"He was well liked by all those who worked with him across Weta, and we're currently working to support our crew who are dealing with this surprising and painful loss."
Mr Lampe would have celebrated his 30th birthday this Sunday.
Friends and family plan to hold a tribute to him in Wellington on Wednesday, and hope to erect a park bench memorial at his favourite place, where he used to meditate.
Arrangements are being made to repatriate his body from Jaipur to his family in Argentina.
Newshub.
