'Mythbusters' star Grant Imahara dies from brain aneurysm

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Grant Imahara, the longtime host of Discovery Channel's 'œMythbusters,'ť died from a brain aneurysm, the network said Tuesday.

Imahara died Monday at the age of 49.

'œWe are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant,'ť the network said in a statement. 'œHe was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.'ť

Along with his 'œMythBusters'ť fame, Imahara was known for starring on Netflix's 'œWhite Rabbit Project.'ť He became popular in Hollywood for his talents in electronics and recently showcased his creation of a fully animatronic Baby Yoda.

Discovery said on its website that Imahara dedicated his life to using his skills to make people smile. The network said he was one of the few trained operators for the famed R2-D2 droid from the Star Wars franchise and engineered the Energizer Bunny's popular rhythmic beat.

Former 'œMythBusters'ť co-host Adam Savage delivered a heartfelt message about Imahara on social media.

'œI'm at a loss. No words,'ť Savage on Twitter. 'œI've been part of two big families with Grant Imahara over the last 22 years. Grant was a truly brilliant engineer, artist and performer, but also just such a generous, easygoing, and gentle PERSON. Working with Grant was so much fun. I'll miss my friend.'ť

Kari Byron and Tory Belleci were co-hosts with Imahara on 'œMythbusters'ť and 'œWhite Rabbit Project.'ť Both said they are heartbroken and stunned by the recent death of their colleague and friend.

'œHeartbroken and in shock tonight. We were just talking on the phone. This isn't real,'ť said Bryon on Twitter. She posted a series of photos of Imahara and said the two just had a phone conversation.

'œI just cannot believe it,'ť Belleci said. 'œI don't even know what to say. My heart is broken. Goodbye buddy.'ť