Stephen Toulouse, former head of Xbox Live’s enforcement, passes away at 45

Stephen Toulouse, who became well known to gamers as the chief of Xbox Live’s enforcement operation for five years of the Xbox 360, died suddenly on Friday, his family confirmed.

The family did not mention a cause of death.

Toulouse, 45, had been a 17-year veteran of Microsoft, culminating in his time as director, Xbox Live Policy and Enforcement from 2007 to 2012. His most recent résumé said he had been a senior security advisor under contract to Electronic Arts.

As Xbox Live’s sheriff, Toulouse was involved in many of the policies that shape the service today. His public stature made him the target of abuse, death threats and even "SWATting" by those sanctioned for their conduct. To many others, he was known for his good humor and straight-shot approach when dealing with bad behavior, which he discussed with Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb