Huge Steelers fan and personal assistant to Robert Downey Jr., Jimmy Rich has died. He was 52.
Rich had been Downey Jr.’s assistant since 2003. He was killed in “a fatal car accident” on Wednesday evening.
Last season, Rich along with talent producer manager Brad Lambert, Rich helped facilitate getting Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward an “Infinity Gauntlet” that was signed by Downey Jr.
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The move came after Heyward had sent the “Iron Man” actor a game-worn jersey.
In a heart-felt message, Downey Jr. expressed what Rich meant to him.
This is not news.
This is a terrible and shocking tragedy.
Jimmy Rich was in a fatal car accident at approx. 8pm yesterday. He was a brother, my right hand man, an uncle to our kids and beloved by all who experienced his singular character and wit.. our thoughts go to his relatives, friends, co-workers, and all the fans who knew him as the man who supported every step of my recovery, life and career..
Again, my condolences to his beautiful family, and the legacy of hope and redemption his life will continue to represent.
Rich overcame addiction in 1998 and stayed sober until his death. Downey Jr. had his own public struggles with sobriety but has since overcome those thanks in part to Rich.
Lambert also expressed love for his late friend saying, “I am absolutely heartbroken. I’ve known Jimmy for almost a decade. He was one of the hardest working people I’ve ever known. He had the biggest heart.”
Lambert, a Pittsburgh native, shared pictures of him along with Rich attending Steeler games with one photo showing Rich wearing running back Rocky Bleier’s four Super Bowl rings.
Heyward also expressed his sympathy in an Instagram post.
Fellow “Avengers” stars Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Pratt and Jeremy Renner shared their condolences as well, calling him “a good man.”