Friend says Rob and Michele Reiner would urge 'empathy' for son Nick after tragic deaths

A close friend of American filmmaker Rob and Michele Reiner has said the late couple would want the public to show compassion toward their son Nick following the devastating events that led to their deaths.

Douglas Shaffer, a producer who worked closely with the family on the 2015 film Being Charlie, told PEOPLE that the aftermath of the tragedy has left deep emotional wounds.

The film, co-written by Nick Reiner and directed by his father Rob, drew partly from Nick’s real-life struggles.

Following the deaths of Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, who were found dead on Sunday, Dec. 14, their 32-year-old son Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Nick has previously spoken publicly about long-standing mental health challenges and drug addiction dating back to his teenage years.

According to Shaffer, the filmmaker and his wife would still be thinking first about their son. “The late Rob and Michele Reiner would want people to have ‘empathy’ for their son Nick,” he said, adding that “there's lots and lots of healing that needs to be done” in the wake of the tragedy.

“I think they would probably want people to feel empathy towards Nick’s struggles,” Shaffer continued. “And perhaps forgiveness down the road.”

Recalling Rob’s role as a parent, Shaffer described the Princess Bride director as “a proud father,” adding that he and Michele were deeply devoted to their children. “A loving father, along with Michele, she was a loving mother… Nick had a good support system, as far as I knew,” he said.

Being Charlie, which starred Nick Robinson, centers on a young man battling addiction while his father, portrayed by Cary Elwes, runs for political office.

The story mirrored aspects of Nick Reiner’s life, and he co-wrote the screenplay with Matt Elisofon, a friend he met while in rehab, according to The New York Times.

Shaffer said Rob often wrestled with how best to support his son.

He recalled that Rob “struggled to understand” Nick’s addiction and was torn between taking a firm stance and offering unconditional support.

“I think he was trying to find the best way to help his son. He wasn't sure if he should be more demanding on [things like] getting into rehab. [Rob] took more of a loving approach.”

Describing the situation as “an absolute Hollywood tragedy,” Shaffer emphasized that Rob’s primary concern was always his son’s wellbeing.

“Rob just wanted Nick to be safe. He just wanted him to be safe and happy. … It's just a shame, because all he wanted was the best for Nick.”

At the time of Being Charlie’s release, both Rob and Nick spoke candidly about Nick’s addiction, which began when he was a teenager. Rob also admitted feeling “desperate” as he tried to help his son through those difficult years.

Nick appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and his arraignment is set to continue on Jan. 7.

Meanwhile, Rob and Michele’s other children, Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, released a joint statement addressing their loss.

They described the deaths as a “horrific and devastating loss of our parents,” adding: “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. They weren't just our parents; they were our best friends.”