Elmore Leonard Dies, ‘Get Shorty’ Writer Was 87

Elmore Leonard has died at the age of 87. The legendary crime writer passed away Tuesday morning following complications from a stroke.

Confirmation of Leonard’s death came about an hour ago on his official Facebook page. It was written by Gregg Sutter, Leonard’s researcher and webmaster. It read:

“The post I dreaded to write, and you dreaded to read. Elmore passed away at 7:15 this morning from complications from his stroke. He was at home surrounded by his loving family. More to follow.”

Leonard was admitted to a Detroit hospital earlier this month after suffering a stroke. At the time, he was said to be recovering.

The famed author will be remembered for his trademark gritty style and clever dialogue, as well as for the many successful Hollywood adaptations of his crime novels.

Some of his best-known novels include Get Shorty and Mr. Majestyk, both of which were adapted into movies of the same name. He also wrote Rum Punch, which was adapted by Quentin Tarantino as Jackie Brown in 1997.

Leonard was also known for his generally laid-back attitude toward Hollywood adaptations of his work. Out of some 26 novels adapted for the screen, Leonard’s favorite was Tarantino’s Jackie Brown.

Though Tarantino took several liberties with the story, many of which he hesitated to discuss with Leonard, the writer said that he considered Jackie Brown to be the best adaptation of his work, and the screenplay among the best he has ever read.

He has written 45 novels and a number of short stories, and was reportedly working on a 46th novel when he died.

We’ll update you with more information on Elmore Leonard’s death as soon as it becomes available.