Carlos Fuentes, Mexican Novelist, Passes Away At 83

World renowned author Carlos Fuentes passed away this morning at a hospital in Mexico City at the age of 83.

The author’s death was confirmed by his biographer Julio Ortega but a cause of death was not given.

Fuentes, who authored novels like “Aura,” ”Terra Nostra,” and “The Good Conscience,” was immediately mourned around the world.

President Felipe Calderon wrote on Twitter:

“I deeply lament the death of our beloved and admired Carlos Fuentes, a universal Mexican writer.”

Fuentes most famous work in the United States was his 1985 novel “The Old Gringo.” The New York Times reports that “The Old Gringo” was the first novel by a Mexican author to become a best seller in North America. The book was later made into a film starring Gregory Peck and Jane Fonda.

The prolific author was described during his life by Mexican officials as “the country’s most distinguished living author” but his accolades extended well beyond Mexico. In 1987 he was given the Cervantes Prize, which is the highest literary honor in the Spanish-speaking world. In 1997, he was named a commander of the National Order of Merit in France. In 1994, Spain awarded Fuentes with the Prince of Asturias Award for literature.

The LA Times reports that Fuentes was still working at the age of 83. His final column was published Tuesday in the Daily Reforma Newspaper about the presidential election in France. Fuentes was also still working on novels. According to CNN, the prolific author had just finished a new book and was starting on a new one.

Fuentes said:

“My technique for staying young is working a lot, and always having a pending project. Now I’ve finished a book, ‘Federico on His Balcony,’ but now I have a new one, ‘The Dance of the Centenarian,’ that I start to write Monday in Mexico.”

Were you a fan of Carlos Fuentes?