John Henson | Muppet creator's son, 48

Puppeteer John Henson, 48, the son of the late Muppets creator Jim Henson, died Friday of a "massive heart attack" at his home in Saugerties, N.Y.

Cheryl Henson says he died after he had been building an igloo in the snow with a daughter.

Mr. Henson followed in his famous father's footsteps as a puppeteer, performing as Sweetums the ogre in several films, including Muppet Treasure Island and It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie.

He also made appearances in the original Coca-Cola Polar Bear suit, said Cheryl Henson, who described him as an "artist who also loved working the land."

Mr. Henson, a shareholder and board member of the Jim Henson Co., is survived by his wife, Gyongyi, and two daughters, ages 10 and 15. - AP