British author Terry Pratchett poses for photographers after receiving his knighthood from Britain's Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in London February 18, 2009 (Photo : REUTERS/Ian Nicholson/Pool (BRITAIN))
Author Terry Pratchett passed away on Wednesday. He was 66 and had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease in the past seven years. The news has been confirmed by the author's publisher.
"I was deeply saddened to learn that Sir Terry Pratchett has died. The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds," said Larry Finlay of Transworld Publisher in an official statement.
Pratchett was a world renowned author who had written more than 70 books in his lifetime. He was honored with several awards, including a Los Angeles Times Book Prize in 2008, acknowledging his contribution to the world of literature.
Pratchett is survived by his wife, Lyn, and their daughter, Rhianna. His last book, "Raising Steam," came out in March 2014.
Pratchett had written 40 instalments in the Discworld series, which began in 1983. The author was U.K.'s most successful author in 1990s, before J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series became a hit.
Ironically, the author was actively involved in propogating the need for reform in assisted dying legislation lately. Pratchett has developed a charcter called 'Death,' which was a common fixture in his several works, The Guardian reported.
As a heartwarming tribute to the departed author, more than 5000 Pratchett's fans have signed an online petition urging 'Death' to bring back the late author. Meanwhile, the author's daughter will continue his legacy by writing Discworld novels as the same has been announced earlier by Pratchett himself. "The Discworld is safe in my daughter's hands," said the author, Telegraph reported.
