Thomas Deitz, 1952-2009

Thomas Franklin Deitz, 57, died on April 27, 2009 of heart failure at his home in Oakwood, Georgia. Born January 17, 1952, Deitz established himself as a popular fantasist in 1986 with Windmaster’s Bane, going on to write 16 well-received fantasy novels, including the Soulsmith trilogy and a tetralogy beginning with Bloodwinter (2002).

Deitz suffered a major heart attack on January 18 of this year, and was hospitalized for months. He was initially a candidate to receive a ventricular assist device (VAD), but unfortunately his heart was too fragile for the operation. He spent his last week at home in hospice care, settling his affairs. At the time of his death, he was working on a young-adult fantasy novel.

A full obituary and appreciations will appear in the June 2009 issue of Locus.