David R. Ellis

David R. Ellis
Ellis at the premiere of Snakes on a Plane in 2006
Born	David Richard Ellis (1952-09-08)September 8, 1952 Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Died	January 7, 2013(2013-01-07) (aged 60) Johannesburg, South Africa
Occupation(s)	Film director, second unit director, stuntman
Years active	1975–2013

David Richard Ellis (September 8, 1952 – January 7, 2013) was an American film director and stunt performer born in Santa Monica, California in 1952. His credits included dozens of films and television series including National Lampoon's Vacation, Baywatch, Lethal Weapon, and Patriot Games.^[1]

He also served as second unit director on blockbuster action films like Waterworld, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Matrix Reloaded, and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. His feature directorial credits included the action thriller Snakes on a Plane and two entries in the Final Destination series.

On January 7, 2013, Ellis was found dead in his hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa. The cause of his death remains unknown.