Tony Dyson, builder of first ‘Star Wars’ R2-D2, dies at 68

Tony Dyson, who was asked to build the first R2-D2 droids for Star Wars, has died. He was 68.

Dyson was found at his home on Gozo island in Malta Friday, reports The Associated Press. He had not been seen for several days. His death was also reported by the local Times of Malta.

No foul play is suspected. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

According to the BBC, Dyson was the owner of The White House Toy Company when George Lucas asked him to make the first physical versions of R2-D2 after Ralph McQuarrie designed them. He built eight units during the making of the first two films, including four that could be controlled by remote control and two that actor Kenny Baker could use.

Dyson also made models for Saturn 3, Superman II, the James Bond film Moonraker and Dragon Slayer. He also designed robots for Sony, Toshiba and other companies and television commercials.

Dyson, a Briton, had been living in Marla since the 1990s.