ATLANTA — ATLANTA — The CEO and president of the Georgia Aquarium has died.

The Georgia Aquarium announced “the passing of our leader, friend, and mentor, president and CEO, Dr. Brian Davis,” in a statement on Tuesday.

Davis was one of the aquarium’s first employees before it opened in 2005.

“We are heartbroken by this news. Brian was a giant in leadership with his intellect, wisdom, and imagination,” Steve Koonin, Chairman of the board of Georgia Aquarium said.

Their statement detailed that the aquarium may have limited operations over the next few days to allow staff members to grieve.

Their board of directors has appointed executive vice president Travis Burke as interim CEO.

<i>It is with immense sadness we announce the passing of our leader, friend, and mentor, president and CEO, Dr. Brian Davis. Brian was an exceptionally talented and intelligent individual who left a tremendous imprint on the education and zoological fields. Furthermore, he was a beautifully compassionate human being who lifted others up and dedicated himself to creating a caring and diverse space at the Aquarium.</i>

<i>He was a dynamic thinker and always pushed the boundaries of what we could achieve, making Georgia Aquarium an extraordinary place. He was one of the first employees at the Aquarium prior to opening in 2005 and led us through years of innovation and growth. Brian’s indelible imprint made all those he knew better – we are better because of Brian.</i>

<i>As we navigate this heartbreaking news, our priority lies with caring for staff. We may have limited operations over the coming days to allow our staff time to grieve.</i>

<i>“We are heartbroken by this news. Brian was a giant in leadership with his intellect, wisdom, and imagination,” said Steve Koonin, Chairman of the board of Georgia Aquarium.</i>

<i>Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and all those that he touched throughout his life.</i>

—  Georgia Aquarium

His cause of death was not released by officials.