The fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett, famous for his long-running Discworld series of novels, has passed away at the age of 66, according to his publisher Transworld:
Terry passed away in his home, with his cat sleeping on his bed surrounded by his family on 12 March 2015. Diagnosed with PCA [Posterior cortical atrophy, or early-onset Alzheimer’s] in 2007, he battled the progressive disease with his trademark determination and creativity, and continued to write. He completed his last book, a new Discworld novel, in the summer of 2014, before succumbing to the final stages of the disease.
We ask that the family are left undisturbed at this distressing time.
Pratchett’s official Twitter account announced the news in a way instantly recognisable to many of his fans – as a very short story, starring himself and one of his most memorable characters:
AT LAST, SIR TERRY, WE MUST WALK TOGETHER.
— Terry Pratchett (@terryandrob) March 12, 2015
Terry took Death’s arm and followed him through the doors and on to the black desert under the endless night.
— Terry Pratchett (@terryandrob) March 12, 2015
The End.
— Terry Pratchett (@terryandrob) March 12, 2015
(In the Discworld books, Death always speaks in block capitals.)
He is survived by his wife Lyn, his daughter Rhianna and his close friend Rob Wilkins. It had previously been announced that Rhianna would be continuing the Discworld series after his death.
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