More sad news today as we learn that Terry Pratchett has died at the age of 66. His publisher confirmed that the renowned and beloved author, whose inventive and often hilarious writing in the Discworld series and other work inspired and influenced the entire fantasy genre, passed away today in his home. He was surrounded by family, with his cat sleeping on his bed.
Larry Finlay, MD at Transworld Publishers, issued this statement:
"I was deeply saddened to learn that Sir Terry Pratchett has died. The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds. In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet like few before him. As all who read him know, Discworld was his vehicle to satirize this world: he did so brilliantly, with great skill, enormous humour and constant invention. Terry faced his Alzheimer's disease (an 'embuggerance', as he called it) publicly and bravely. Over the last few years, it was his writing that sustained him. His legacy will endure for decades to come.
My sympathies go out to Terry's wife Lyn, their daughter Rhianna, to his close friend Rob Wilkins, and to all closest to him."
Pratchett announced in 2007 that he was suffering with Alzheimer's Disease. He went on donate significant amounts to the Alzheimer's Research Trust and filmed a moving documentary on his experiences with the illness for the BBC. He was the best-selling UK author of the '90s, with sales of over 85 million, and his work was translated into 37 languages. Gone but not forgotten.

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

http://t.co/EzEDHf5EkW

— Terry Pratchett (@terryandrob) March 12, 2015

The End.

— Terry Pratchett (@terryandrob) March 12, 2015