Kevin Connolly Key, a photographer known for documenting the Salton Sea, Anza-Borrego Desert and communities across San Diego County, died April 20 at age 54, East County Magazine reported.

Key, who lived off grid in Niland near the Salton Sea and was known to friends as “Kevin LiT!,” previously operated Kevin Key Real Estate Photography in Ramona. His work included twilight, aerial and drone photography, along with environmental and fine-art images focused on the desert landscape.

According to East County Magazine, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office said Key died of blunt force trauma at the Pine Valley Bridge. Friends and fellow artists described him as compassionate, fair-minded, helpful and intensely dedicated to photography.

His desert work made him a visual historian for the Salton Sea and Bombay Beach, where he documented geothermal activity, receding shoreline conditions and public art installations. Friends said he also mentored other photographers and advocated for restoration of the Salton Sea.

Key’s family and friends are planning a celebration of life in the coming months at Bombay Beach. His photography remains available through his website, Flickr account and other public channels linked by East County Magazine.