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The cast and crew of Law & Order: SVU are mourning the loss of one of their own who died from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Mariska Hargitay, who plays Captain Olivia Benson, posted a heartfelt tribute to the member of the crew who passed away.

‘Law & Order: SVU’ loses one of their own

Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay | Heidi Gutman/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

A member of the Law & Order: SVU family has died from the coronavirus. Mariska Hargitay decided to post a sweet tribute to the 45-year-old man who was one of the costumers, Josh Wallwork.

Hargitay wrote a post on Twitter: “Heartbroken we are. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He brought love and kindness everywhere he went. Always ready with the joke. The SVU Corredor will never be the same. We will miss you Josh. #ForeverInOurHearts.”

The showrunner of ‘SVU’ posts a tribute

Warren Leight, the executive producer and showrunner for the series also took the time to write a post to Twitter in tribute to a valued member of the crew.

“Very sad news today. One of our costumers, and a beautiful man, Josh Wallwork, passed away from complications of COVID-19. Cast and crew send love and prayers to his family and friends. We are heartbroken,” Leight wrote.

Ice-T joins Mariska Hargitay with a tribute to Josh Wallwork

Another valuable member of the SVU squad, Ice-T, who plays Fin, also posted to Twitter about the loss of a co-worker.

“I worked with Josh every day… MAN! Pay attention people. #SVU,” Ice-T wrote.

‘Law & Order: SVU’ has halted production for season 21 because of the coronavirus

Numerous shows, concerts, and events have been canceled because of the coronavirus. NBCUniversal stopped production on numerous television series according to Deadline. This includes all of its entertainment units: Universal Television, Universal Television Alternative Studios, UCP, and First Run Syndication.

All the Dick Wolf dramas including SVU have stopped production. This includes the Chicago series, New Amsterdam, and Superstore.

Season 21 of ‘SVU’ hangs in the balance

The remainder of the record-breaking season hangs in the balance. Leight recently revealed on Twitter that episode 20 may be the finale for season 21. There was originally supposed to be 24 episodes this season.

SVU had planned to produce 24 episodes this season. Episode 20, written by @JulieMartinSVU and me, directed by @juancampanella may end up being our finale.  If it is, it will be oddly fine in that slot – with return performances from many perps and vics we’ve met this season,” Leight said on Twitter.

Although fans really want to see more SVU, it’s completely understandable that the show cuts things short considering the circumstances going on in the world. We’re all trying to adjust to what’s happening around us and social distancing is harder than some of us thought. Luckily, there is a new episode of SVU to help fans out through this difficult time and it airs on April 2 at 10 p.m. E.S.T.