Author L.J. Smith has died at age 66.
“Lisa Jane Smith of Danville, California passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025, after a long bout with illness,” an obituary on the writer’s website read. “Known to her readers as L.J. Smith, Lisa was a New York Times bestselling author of young-adult fiction.”
Smith’s official cause of death was not revealed. In 2015, she was hospitalized for two months and on a ventilator due to a battle with undiagnosed granulomatosis with polyangiitis. She suffered severe damage to her kidneys, heart, liver and gallbladder at the time. It is unclear if the illnesses are related.
Throughout her career, Smith wrote more than 29 books including The Vampire Diaries, which was adapted into a TV series starring Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder and more. In addition to Vampire Diaries, Smith penned Night World, The Secret Circle (also adapted to a short-lived CW series), Dark Visions and The Forbidden Game.
“Her novels not only entertained, but also offered solace and inspiration, making her a cherished companion to readers around the world,” her obit stated.
Smith is survived by her long-time partner Julie Divola, sister, Judy Clifford, Judy’s children, Lauren Clifford and Brian Clifford, Brian’s wife, Taylor Acampora and Lauren’s son, Wyatt Nicholson.
“Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy, illuminated the lives of her family, friends and fans alike,” the statement read. “She will be remembered for her imaginative spirit, her pioneering role in supernatural fiction, and her generosity, warmth and heart, both on and off the page.”
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The page ended with a quote by Smith herself which read, “Nothing really dies as long as it’s not forgotten.”
Many fans paid tribute and shared their condolences for the late writer in the Official L.J Smith News and Updates Facebook group.
“Thank you for helping me turn into the strong woman I am today, by portraying strong female characters in your works. Thank you for showing me empathy for others makes you stronger,” one user wrote. “Thank you for having characters that faced adversity and never gave up on what they believed in. Thank you for showing the power of true friendships. Thank you for interacting with your fans and showing us love. The gifts you gave this world, will assure you will never be forgotten. We, your fans, love and will miss you.”
Another fan shared, “Her writing and stories were where my love of books first began. No other books hold a higher place in my heart [than] hers do. May she rest in peace 🩷.”
