Emma Watson paid tribute to her ‘lovely’ Harry Potter co-star Dave Legeno, after the 50-year-old actor was found dead last week in Death Valley, California.

Legeno, who played werewolf Fenrir Greyback in three of the Harry Potter movies, was hiking the remote wash below Manly Beacon, West of Zabriskie Point, when he was overcome by the heat.

The mixed martial arts expert’s partially decomposed remains were found by a couple hiking in the area. A helicopter was sent to recover the body, Inyo County officials confirmed.

‘It appears that Legeno died of heat-related issues, but the Inyo County Coroner will determine the final cause of death,” said a sheriff’s department spokesman.

County Deputy Coroner Jason Molinar said the former bouncer and wrestler’s body may have been lying for days in triple-digit heat.

Watson, who became a world-wide star thanks to her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise, expressed her condolences via Twitter.

I'm so sad to hear about #DaveLegeno. He was such a lovely man. I hope he is resting in peace x

— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) July 12, 2014

Sad news about #DaveLegeno from #HarryPotter. Take a look at #FenrirGreyback's best moments > http://t.co/I3C0avi8Wj pic.twitter.com/FddrRnzU6B

— HollywoodTake (@HollywoodTake_) July 11, 2014

Meanwhile another Harry Potter star, Tom Felton, who played villain Draco Malfoy in all the films, described Legeno as a ‘great talent’ in a moving message on Instagram.

The caption accompanying the photo read:

“Dave Legeno. It was always a pleasure. He was a great talent with a heart of gold and always had time for anyone. Dave was a soft, kind gentleman off screen but had the skill to be the complete opposite on screen. He taught me lots, You will be missed mate xx #DaveLegeno.”

Legeno, who also starred in Guy Ritchie‘s Snatch, is survived by a 20-year-old daughter, Wendy.

Image via YouTube