US director dies in SA hotel room

JOHANNESBURG: American film director David Ellis has been found dead in his hotel room in Sandton, the BBC Online reported yesterday.

The news of the 60 year old’s death was confirmed by his manager, the website reported.

Ellis worked in the film industry for many years and directed several films, including Snakes on a Plane and Final Destination.

Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said Ellis was found in the bathroom of his room at the Sandton Sun Hotel on Monday at 1pm.

“It is unknown what was the cause of death… The body was discovered by the hotel manager. Nothing was found to be missing from his room and no foul play is being suspected at this stage.”

A post mortem failed to reveal the cause of death.

“The US embassy has been informed and are believed to be making necessary arrangements…” said Dlamini.

Ellis had been working on his new film, Kite. – Sapa