Beloved Young Adult Fiction Pioneer Passes Away at 66

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L.J. Smith, the acclaimed author whose supernatural novels captivated a generation of young readers, has died at the age of 66.

According to an obituary published on her official website, “Lisa Jane Smith of Danville, California passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025, after a long bout with illness. Known to her readers as L.J. Smith, Lisa was a New York Times bestselling author of young-adult fiction.”

While the specific cause of death was not disclosed, Smith had previously faced significant health challenges. In 2015, she spent two months hospitalized on a ventilator, battling granulomatosis with polyangiitis—an autoimmune condition that caused severe damage to her kidneys, heart, liver, and gallbladder. Whether this earlier health crisis was connected to her recent passing remains unclear.

Smith leaves behind an extraordinary literary legacy spanning more than 29 books. Her most recognized work, The Vampire Diaries, achieved tremendous success both in print and as a television adaptation. The CW series, which starred Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder, became a cultural phenomenon and introduced Smith’s storytelling to an even wider audience.

Her other notable works include the Night World series, The Secret Circle (which also received a television adaptation), Dark Visions, and The Forbidden Game. These supernatural tales helped define the young adult fantasy genre and influenced countless writers who followed in her footsteps.

“Her novels not only entertained, but also offered solace and inspiration, making her a cherished companion to readers around the world,” her obituary stated.

Smith is survived by her long-time partner Julie Divola, sister Judy Clifford, niece and nephew Lauren Clifford and Brian Clifford, Brian’s wife Taylor Acampora, and Lauren’s son Wyatt Nicholson.

The tribute to Smith continued: “Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy, illuminated the lives of her family, friends and fans alike. 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.”

Fittingly, the obituary concluded with Smith’s own words: “Nothing really dies as long as it’s not forgotten.”

In the hours following the announcement, fans flooded social media with tributes to the author whose work had profoundly touched their lives. On the Official L.J. Smith News and Updates page, one reader wrote: “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. 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 devoted 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 🩷.”

Smith’s influence on young adult literature—particularly in supernatural and fantasy genres—cannot be overstated. Her richly imagined worlds and complex characters inspired countless readers and helped pave the way for the explosion of paranormal fiction that followed. Though she has passed, her stories will continue to captivate new generations of readers for many years to come.