Author Dan Simmons has died. He was 77. His death was announced by his friend, David Morrell, who shared the news on X. Morrell also revealed the brilliance of Simmons’ work and praised him for how he “defined literary norms.”
Friends & Fans Pay Tribute to Dan Simmons
“My dear friend & incomparable author Dan Simmons died Saturday from a stroke at age 77,” Morrell wrote on X. “He defied literary norms, exploring historical fiction, horror, crime & other genres. His must-read titles include THE SONG OF KALI & HYPERION. He was one of a kind.”
The post has attracted attention from other writers and fans, who have paid tribute to Simmons in the comments section. “Summer of the Night was a deeply disturbing horror story that put him right up there with Stephen King’s best work. Read it as a teenager. Great stuff,” a comment reads.
“Hyperion was incredible. Had me bawling with the dad and his reverse-aging daughter. Loved the premise, a Canterbury Tales in space,” another person shared.
A third comment reads, “He was my biggest inspiration getting into writing. What a loss, but what a contribution to the world!” Morrell responded to the comment, writing, “Yep. Dan inspired many authors.”
Other reactions include, “Wow, what a bummer. I just reread Ilium and Olympus for the fourth time, last month. He was an amazing author and his books will live on forever. RIP,” and “Song of Kali is the scariest book I’ve ever read. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, but it made an impact, and I will never read it again. Also enjoyed Carrion Comfort. Will get around to Hyperion one day.”
Remembering Dan Simmons
CanvaMore information about Simmons and his career was shared on the Dignity Memorial obituary page. It revealed that Simmons died on February 21 and “his beloved wife Karen and daughter Jane were at his side” when he died.
Simmons worked as an elementary school teacher, helping to inspire young minds to love reading and writing. “Dan had a profound passion for teaching and was beloved by many of his students for his innovative, energizing, and creative approach in the classroom,” the obituary reads. In 1987, he made a career change and became a full-time author, debuting with “Song of Kali.”
“Dan is predeceased by his parents and his brother Ted. He is survived by his loving wife and daughter, Karen and Jane Simmons; his beloved grandchildren, Milo and Lucia Glenn; and his brother, Wayne Simmons,” the obituary shares. It also reveals that Simmons will be cremated and “his ashes will be scattered at a later date.” Simmons was loved by many, as evident by the language used in his obituary and the reactions to Morrell’s post.
