Beloved Author L.J. Smith Passes Away at 66 After Long Illness

DANVILLE, California — L.J. Smith, the celebrated author best known for her bestselling series “The Vampire Diaries,” died on March 8, 2025, at the age of 66. Smith passed away peacefully after battling a rare autoimmune disease for over a decade, her partner Julie Divola confirmed.

Born Lisa Jane Smith on September 4, 1958, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she later moved to California where she grew up in Villa Park. Smith’s passion for writing was ignited by her high school English teacher, Zoe Gibbs. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in experimental psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and received teaching credentials from San Francisco State University.

Before deciding to pursue writing full time in the late 1980s, Smith taught elementary school for three years. Her first fantasy novel, “The Night of the Solstice,” was published by MacMillan in 1987, followed by her second title, “Heart of Valor,” in 1990. But it was the 1991 launch of “The Vampire Diaries” that skyrocketed her career and established her as a prominent voice in young-adult fiction.

The “Vampire Diaries” series centers on a love triangle involving Elena Gilbert and two vampire brothers, Damon and Stefan Salvatore. The series gained immense popularity, especially after its adaptation into a television show by The CW in 2009. The series ran for eight seasons, captivating audiences and significantly increasing sales of Smith’s novels.

In 2015, Smith’s health issues forced her into hospitalization, where she was placed on a ventilator due to complications from an undiagnosed granulomatosis with polyangiitis. This condition caused severe damage to her kidneys, heart, liver, and gallbladder. Despite her health struggles, Smith continued to write until her passing, penning over 29 books throughout her career.

“She was fiercely dedicated to continuing to write,” said her agent John Silbersack. “Despite the difficulties and the pain, her passion for storytelling never waned.”

Smith’s legacy extends beyond her bestselling novels. She is remembered for her contributions to the genre of young-adult supernatural fiction and for inspiring a generation of readers. Her works, including series like “Dark Visions” and “The Forbidden Game,” are celebrated for their imaginative plots and relatable characters.

The author is survived by her partner Julie Divola, her sister Judy Clifford, and her niece and nephew. In the wake of her passing, fans expressed their gratitude on social media for the impact her stories had on their lives. One fan wrote, “Thank you for having characters that faced adversity and never gave up on what they believed in. Your gifts will keep you alive in our hearts.”

A statement from Smith’s family highlighted her kind spirit, saying, “Lisa was a kind and gentle soul whose brilliance illuminated the lives of her family, friends, and fans alike.” The statement concluded with a quote from Smith: “Nothing really dies as long as it’s not forgotten.”