Lisa Jane Smith "L.J. Smith," the author of the Vampire Diaries book series, died on Saturday, March 8, at 66 years old in Walnut Creek, California. Smith's partner, Julie Divola, as well as her sister, Judy Clifford, told the New York Times she "died in a hospital after enduring the cascading effects of a rare autoimmune disease for a decade."

The novels were adapted into a hit CW show of the same name starring Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley and more

LJ Smith, renowned for her 'Vampire Diaries' novels, passed away at 66 due to a rare autoimmune disease. Celebrated for her creativity and pioneering role in supernatural fiction, her work remains influential.