Thaindian News

The publicist of author E. Lynn Harris has told The Associated Press on Friday that the best selling author of such novels as “I Say a Little Prayer” has passed away recently. Harris’ personal assistant Laura Gilmore has reportedly told that Harris had collapsed at a Los Angeles hotel on Thursday, following which he could not be revived, even with medical help. He was found in his room, lying motionless. No further details concerning the death has been divulged though.

According to what Gilmore has told the Reuters, he had been on a business trip to the city from his home in Atlanta, when this unfortunate incident took place. The business trip was related to the book tour for his latest novel “Basketball Jones” due to which he was traveling to the West Coast.

Harris was 54 years old at the time of his death. His writings had mostly explored the uncharted terrains of identity and sexuality among the black men. He had dealt with sensitive issues relating to the lives of black men involved in homosexual relationships.

A statement released by the executive director of publicity for Doubleday (the publishing house which published Harris’ novels), Alison Rich, states, “We at Doubleday, are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of E. Lynn Harris’ death at too young an age. His pioneering novels and powerful memoir about the black gay experience touched and inspired millions of lives, and he was a gifted storyteller whose books brought delight and encouragement to readers everywhere. Lynn was a war, and generous person, beloved by friends, fans and booksellers alike, and we mourn his passing.