I've already cried over Bowie and now I have to cry over the actor of my favourite book character? Come on 2016, you're being quite cruel! No one could have played Snape the way he did, nor any his other characters to be honest. From what I have heard, Alan was an absolute sweetheart of a human being and I am sure that is quite true.
Rest in peace Alan, we will always revere and remember you. Always.