Kim Peek, the inspiration for Rain Man, is dead. The death of the real Rain Man’s Kim Peek comes as people who knew Peek well are remembering him Tuesday.

One of the one’s people was Dr. Darold Treffert, who consulted on the movie and authored his own book “Extraordinary People: Understanding Savant Syndrome” writes.

One notable difference that Treffert wanted people to remember is that Peek was not autistic compared to his character in the movie.

“Along the way to its completion, the original script for the movie Rain Man underwent a number of modifications. While Kim Peek served as the initial inspiration for the story, Raymond Babbitt, as portrayed so admirably by Dustin Hoffman, is a composite savant with abilities drawn from a number of different real life individuals. The main character in that movie, Raymond Babbitt, was modified to be an autistic savant.

“The story thus is that of a person who is autistic but also has savant skills grafted on to that basic autistic disorder. It is important to remember, therefore, that not all autistic persons are savants, and not all savants are autistic. In preparation for his role, Dustin Hoffman spent time with several other autistic savants and their families, as well as with Kim.”

Dr. Treffert issued the following statement about Peek’s death:

“There has never been, and there will never be, another person like Kim Peek. His talents were unique, exceptional and spectacular. And the story of the love and bond between he and his Dad was inspirational. Their willingness to share both the skills and the story with so many audiences world-wide so unselfishly was their gift to us. Kim says ‘Rain Man changed my life.’ Well, Kim, you in turn, along with your Dad, touched and changed our lives as well.

“Last night I looked up and saw a new star in the heavens. It shown brightly but it had a uniquely different shape than all the rest. It was truly one of a kind. Kim was one of a kind.

“Kim went home for Christmas.”

Funeral arrangements have been announced. Kim Peek will be greatly missed.