2:35 PM PT -- Ryan just addressed Ray's passing himself, writing ... "RIP Ray Chan. Words are pretty inadequate in comparison to this loss."

He adds, "There's an incomparable reservoir of skill, tender grit and talent no longer with us. As Production Designer, he was as important a creative force on Deadpool & Wolverine as the writers, director and stars. I don't pretend to know every chapter of Ray's heart, but I know it's unusual to encounter someone with that level of artistry, who simultaneously moved through the world with such an indelible humanity."

Ryan says he last saw Ray 2 weeks ago, and the two of them shared a lot of playful banter. Sounds like RR was able to share fond memories with the guy -- something Ryan cherishes.

Ryan Reynolds and the "Deadpool & Wolverine" team are reeling after a crew member died unexpectedly this week -- and the entire production is devastated ... TMZ has learned.

Ray Chan -- the movie's lead production designer and a Marvel Studios veteran -- recently passed away, which was announced on Wednesday ... much to the shock of many in the film community. Marvel addressed his death, with honcho Kevin Feige offering condolences.

Now, however, we're hearing how Reynolds himself feels about it ... and we're being told the guy is downright gutted about the sudden loss -- and that it hits close to home for him.

Our sources tell us Ryan is just one of many who are impacted by Ray's death ... as we're told the entire 'D&W' production is devastated by the loss of their beloved compatriot.

Chan's got a ton of credits under his belt, many of them in the art department for Marvel. He worked on nearly a dozen Marvel flicks, like "Doctor Strange" and "Avengers: Endgame" and non-Marvel films like "National Treasure," "Nanny McPhee," "Blood Diamond" and more.

"Deadpool & Wolverine" is in post-production with a release date currently scheduled for July 26. Reynolds is reprising his role as the Merc with a Mouth while Hugh Jackman's jumping back in as Wolverine despite stepping away from the character in 2017 after 9 movies.

Ray is survived by his wife Lindsay and his children Caspar and Sebastian. No cause of death has been announced.

RIP