LJ Smith, the author whose bestselling Vampire Diaries novels were adapted into a hit TV show, has died aged 66. The New York Times reports that the bestselling author died on March 8 in Walnut Creek, Calif, after suffering effects of a rare autoimmune disease for a decade.

L.J. Smith, the writer of “The Vampire Diaries” books that were adapted into a television series on The CW, died March 8 at the age of 66. Smith’s partner, Julie Divola, and sister, Judy Clifford, confirmed the death to The New York Times.

Author L.J. Smith, who created the 'Vampire Diaries' otherwordly book series that inspired the CW drama of the same name, died this month. She was 66.