Very sad. He made some absolutely iconic horror films. I was much too young to see "Nightmare on Elm Street" in the theater (though it terrified many a sleepover!), but the first "Scream" was one of the most fun thrill rides I've ever had at the movies.
Nice piece on him:
http://theconcourse.deadspin.com/rip...are-1727640233
Totally forgot he did
The Serpent and the Rainbow, with the scene guaranteed to make every male in a theater hunch over in terror. You know the one I mean.