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STORY: Actor Samuel L. Jackson described the late David R. Ellis as was 'wonderful friend' as he appeared on the red carpet for the Berlin premiere of his new movie 'Django Unchained' on Tuesday (January 8).

Jackson worked with Ellis on cult movie "Snakes On a Plane".

The director and former stuntman was found dead in his hotel in South Africa on Monday (January 9), he was busy preparing a film that Jackson was going to work on.

Speaking to Reuters Televsion Jackson said it was tragic that something like that would happen to someone so young and vital. An autopsy has been conducted but details on the cause of death are yet to be released by authorities.