Scooby-Doo co-creator Joe Ruby dies

Joe Ruby, the co-creator of 'Scooby-Doo' died at 87 on Wednesday.

According to Variety, the US animator passed away of natural causes in Westlake Village, California.

Along with Ken Spears, Joe created the 'Scooby-Doo' franchise, which featured the original series 'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!', for Hanna-Barbera Productions.

'Scooby-Doo' first aired on CBS in 1969. The animated series tells the story of a group of teenagers and their Great Dane dog, Scooby-Doo, travel around in a blue and green van trying to solve mysteries.  

Joe and Ken were also behind the creation of 'Dynomutt, Dog Wonder' and 'Jabberjaw'.

Sam Register, President of Warner Bros Animation and Blue Ribbon Content, said in a statement, "Joe Ruby made Saturday mornings special for so many children, including myself. He was one of the most prolific creators in our industry who gifted us some of animation's most treasured characters and it was a thrill to host him at our studio."

"Scooby-Doo has been a beloved companion on screens for more than 50 years, leaving an enduring legacy that has inspired and entertained generations. We at Warner Bros. Animation have the privilege and honour of carrying on that legacy and send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones," he added.

Previously Joe was in the Navy, where he was a sonar operator on a submarine during the Korean War.

Later he worked in the animation and editing departments for Walt Disney Productions, before joining Hanna-Barbera Productions, where he met Ken.

The pair later opened up their own studio, Ruby-Spears Studios, in 1977, and went on to make, 'Alvin and the Chipmunks,' the 1988 animated 'Superman' series and an animated 'Police Academy' series, among many others