This is like a sledgehammer to the chest, just like the one I saw when I read the first words of the COH closure on Facebook.
I've always looked up to Ascendant, and wanted to be a positive asset to the roleplaying community like he did. He was a big inspiration and motivation to stick with the game, and as far as I remember - he was right there from Issue 1, to the very last day - which he spent with his SG mates on the Liberty League*. Dedication, talent, personability.
On the very last day, I gushed to him on a tell (I just.. wonder how many of those he got..) - telling him that I wouldn't be surprised if he was actually a professional writer.
His response was short and sweet: He was just in it to have fun.
It was an honor and a pleasure to interact with him, and there are lots of lessons to be learned from Tre, and the embodiment of his qualities who fought, walked and talked with us for eight years.
I'm sure that Ascendant and Belle are laughing over some Namor's submarine sandwiches, somewhere in Paragon City.
*http://kyuuen.deviantart.com/art/Ascendant-Final-Raid-351227150
EDIT: Also, "Saul Rubenstien's Discount Task Force" was another shining example of his creative muscle. I'm glad I got to run it with him towards the end of the game.
Second EDIT: If you haven't already, give his Virtueverse entry a read.
http://www.virtueverse.net/wiki/Ascendant