Beloved author of iconic book series dies aged just 66 after late career resurgence

Beloved author of iconic book series dies aged just 66 after late career resurgence

Beloved author L.J. Smith has passed away aged 66 following a battle with a rare autoimmune disease.

Smith was best known as the author of The Vampire Diaries, which sold millions of copies and became a hit TV show.

The author was also known as a prolific ghostwriter who would repossess her characters after being fired or replaced, reports the New York Times.