Andrew Scott Reisse, co-founder and lead engineer of the company that developed the Oculus Rift device, was killed over the weekend after being struck by a car during a high-speed police chase in Santa Ana, CA.

"Andrew was a brilliant computer graphics engineer, an avid photographer and hiker who loved nature, a true loyal friend, and a founding member of our close-knit Oculus family," the company told ABC in a statement.

The driver of the car that struck Reisse according to police was a known gang member, 21-year-old Victor Sanchez along with two other suspects, who fled from authorities after an altercation over alleged criminal activity. During the chase, Sanchez reportedly ran several red traffic lights and struck two other vehicles before hitting Reisse at a crosswalk. Sanchez and the two other passengers were apprehended by police shortly after striking Reisse. Unlike Reisse and his family, they were unharmed following their reckless actions.

The Oculus Rift team have posted a Memoriam blog reflecting on Reisse's contributions and work in the industry.

We would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the Reisse family and friends.

Sources: ABC