Our condolences to family and friends of writer-director Audrey Wells, who has passed away at age 58.

The Wrap reports that Wells, who wrote and directed "Under the Tuscan Sun," died yesterday after a "long and private battle with cancer."

Wells also wrote the screenplays for "A Dog's Purpose," "The Truth About Cats and Dogs," "The Kid," "Shall We Dance,"and "George of the Jungle."

She shared the prestigious Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance in 1999 for the indie "Guinevere," which she also directed.

Her latest film, "The Hate U Give," about a black teen (Amandla Stenberg) who witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend at the hands of a police officer, just opened today to rave reviews.

"Over the last five and half years, Audrey fought valiantly against her illness and she died surrounded by love. Even during her fight, she never stopped living, working or traveling, and she never lost her joy, wonder and optimism," Wells’s husband Brian Larky said in a statement. "She was, simply, the most incredible wife and partner imaginable, and she knew always that she was loved by [our daughter] Tatiana, me, and the friends who were her chosen family. She said just recently, ‘We’re so lucky, honey. We got to live a love story. Who gets to do that?’ We will carry her forward with us forever–as a mother, as a wife, as an artist and creator, and as a friend. She was irreplaceable."

United Talent Agency co-president David Kramer added his own statement: "Audrey was a beloved client and, far more importantly, a wonderful friend. It was impossible not to fall in love with her and the passion that brought her stories to life. The strong, independent female characters she shaped resonate today more than ever and will be a part of her legacy always. We will miss her amazing, spirit, creativity and the love she gave us. She was truly special."

Marcia Wright, who play Tammy in "The Hate U Give," remembered Wells on Twitter, thanking her for the "profound foundation" for the film.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Audrey’s favorite nonprofits, The Feminist Majority Foundation, the ACLU, and Planned Parenthood.

[Via The Wrap]