The walkie-talkie inventor who helped revolutionize the way Americans communicate through their walkie devices died Monday in New York.

The device, which was originally designed to make a walker more mobile and discreet, was first marketed to police departments and schools, but the technology has since spread widely.

Award-winning author and filmmaker Richard Kiley said Kiley, who was in his early 50s when he invented the walkie, passed away Monday at his home in New Jersey.

“I’m just deeply saddened and deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support that I received for my invention, and the outpourings of support for the walkies people have come to know and love,” Kiley wrote in a statement.

“In a world where so many are struggling to keep pace with technology and communications, we must be as open and as accepting as possible.

My own thoughts and prayers go out to my wife, my daughters, my friends, and family.”

In a statement, Kiley’s company, Naughty Naughty Walkie, said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder and visionary Richard Kacey.

His vision and spirit of innovation were a joy to behold and will be sorely missed.”

Alyssa Hirschfeld, Kacey’s daughter, said she was “heartbroken” about his passing.

“We are devastated by his passing, and we ask that everyone respect his privacy during this time of grieving,” Hirscholds statement said.