Wurk has announced the passing of founder and CEO Keegan Peterson, who launched the cannabis-focused payroll and HR solutions company in 2015.

“Keegan will be remembered for his fierce advocacy in the cannabis space and the company he built to support the industry that he cared about deeply,” the company’s executive chairman, Scott Kenyon, wrote in a letter announcing Peterson’s death.

Peterson passed away Jan. 14 at the age of 33.

Since its launch, Wurk has grown to employ more than 60 people and serve clients across 33 states.

Peterson was a longtime advocate for the cannabis industry, serving as an associate producer for Weed the People, a documentary about the medical benefits of cannabis. He also mentored other entrepreneurs in the industry at Canopy Boulder and Canopy San Diego through a mentorship-driven, early-stage investment program for business startups.

In addition, Peterson volunteered with Denver Relief’s Green Team, where grew vegetables for those in need in the Denver community, as well as Project Homeless, where he sponsored children in Africa through Compassionate International.

Peterson has been recognized in Marijuana Venture’s “40 Under 40” awards, and Wurk was named in MG Magazine’s Top 50 Cannabis Employers. In addition, Wurk received an Innovation in Technology award in the Business Strategy & Innovation category from the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) in February 2019.

“Undoubtedly, we lost an amazing entrepreneur and trailblazer who led with compassion and kindness,” Kenyon wrote, adding, “We here at Wurk are all committed to keeping Keegan’s legacy alive through his company, but also in striving to achieve the vision he had for our industry. As leaders and players in this space, we all are part of the change, and I hope that all of you will join us in helping to fulfill his vision.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to assist Peterson’s family with end-of-life costs and future expenses. Wurk’s Board of Directors will match all donations up to $20,000.