Avengers assemble to mourn Jimmy Rich, Robert Downey Jr.'s friend (52) who died in a car crash

Many people think that Robert Downey Jr.'s saviours were Guy Ritchie, who gave him the role of Sherlock Holmes, and Marvel, getting him into the Iron Man suit. But anyone close to the actor will tell you that the real key person behind his success was Jimmy Rich. Sadly, that friend and supporter of Iron Man and other superheroes has died unexpectedly.

Not much is known about the circumstances, but what we can say with certainty is that a fatal car accident took the life of 52-year-old Jimmy Rich on May 5 at 8pm.

Robert Downey Jr told the world about it via Instagram. "This not news," he said. "This is a terrible and shocking tragedy. Jimmy Rich was in a fatal car accident... He was a brother, my right hand man, an uncle to our children and loved by all who experienced his singular character and wit."

As the actor said, Jimmy Rich was his right-hand man. They began working together in 2003 on the movie 'The Singing Detective' and maintained this relationship until 2020, when Robert Downey Jr. starred in the sequel to 'Dolittle'.

Over the years, the bond between Jimmy Rich and Robert Downey Jr. grew closer. Jimmy Rich was a personal assistant who supported the actor through thick and thin.

In fact, Robert Downey Jr. himself acknowledges in his farewell that Jimmy Rich was "the man who supported me every step of my recovery, life and career." The actor struggled with addiction and tested many of his friendships. Jimmy stayed by his side - an example of the "legacy of hope and redemption that his life will continue to represent."

Almost all of the Avengers took the opportunity of Downey Jr's Instagram post to say goodbye to Jimmy Rich. He accompanied the staff throughout the incredible journey that has been the Marvel Superhero Universe.

Chris Hemsworth was among the first to send a message to Robert Downey Jr. and Jimmy Rich's family.

"So sorry, mate. Absolutely Heartbreaking. Such a wonderful human. He will be missed."

Mark Ruffalo also took to Instagram to remember what a "good man" Jimmy Rich was. "I have known him almost as long as I have known you Robert. Breaks my heart to have Jimmy go over to the other world."

"You will be missed Jimmy. Thanks for always being real, always being there to lend a hand and showing the way of light forward to so many people. Another sad day."

Even Thanos, i.e. Josh Brolin, had a message for Jimmy Rich. "No words. Just tears and gratitude for the gift that was Jimmy".

Chris Pratt has also joined in the condolences, as have Jeremy Renner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Reynolds and Jack Black. "Oh no!" Chris Pratt writes to Robert Downey Jr. "I'm so sorry man. I'm praying [for] his family, you and yours.... He was awesome. Such a tragedy."

For his part, Chris Evans wanted to dedicate his own post to a person who "was unlike anyone else." As Captain America says, Jimmy Rich "left an incredible impression on everyone he met. No one more so than my brother Robert Downey Jr. They were inseparable."

Marvel Studios also left a message to the man who brought "love and light" to the Avengers' set. It was accompanied by two wonderful photos, one showing Jimmy Rich with Robert Downey Jr. and the other with the entire production team, where Rich was one of the crew.

"Rest in peace, Jimmy. You have been such a great friend to all of us at Marvel Studios for many years. Your love and light were an inspiration to everyone that knew you. We will miss you."

It's not just that he was a member of the production team: Jimmy Rich was more important than that. He has been listed as an assistant in the credits of every Robert Downey Jr. film since they started working together.

The relationship between actor and assistant was so special that Jimmy Rich even had an Iron Man tattooed on his calf. The star and his superhero colleagues will undoubtedly be mourning the death of their 52-year old friend for quite some time.