Renowned Author L.J. Smith Passes Away at 66
L.J. Smith, the celebrated author behind The Vampire Diaries, has passed away at the age of 66.
An obituary published on her official website confirmed that Lisa Jane Smith, a resident of Danville, California, died peacefully on March 8, 2025, following a prolonged illness.
“Lisa, known to her readers as L.J. Smith, was a New York Times bestselling author whose work captivated millions of young adult fiction fans worldwide,” the statement read.
While the exact cause of her passing has not been disclosed, Smith had battled serious health issues in the past.
In 2015, she endured a two-month hospitalization and was placed on a ventilator due to granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a rare autoimmune disease that caused severe organ damage, affecting her kidneys, heart, liver, and gallbladder. It remains uncertain if her death was linked to these previous complications.
Smith’s literary contributions left a lasting mark on the supernatural fiction genre.
She authored over 29 books, including The Vampire Diaries, which was later adapted into a hit television series starring Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder. Her other popular works include Night World, The Secret Circle—which inspired a short-lived CW series—Dark Visions, and The Forbidden Game.
“Her stories not only entertained but also provided comfort and inspiration, making her a beloved figure among readers worldwide,” her obituary noted.
Smith is survived by her longtime partner, Julie Divola, her sister Judy Clifford, niece Lauren Clifford, nephew Brian Clifford, Brian’s wife Taylor Acampora, and Lauren’s son, Wyatt Nicholson.
Her family described her as “a kind and gentle soul whose creativity, resilience, and empathy touched the lives of her loved ones and fans alike.”
“She will be remembered for her imaginative storytelling, her influential role in supernatural fiction, and her warmth and generosity both on and off the page.”
The tribute concluded with a poignant quote from Smith herself: “Nothing really dies as long as it’s not forgotten.”
