Terry Pratchett, the well-known fantasy author, is dead, according to reports. He’s probably best known for his “Discworld" series. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

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RIP Terry Pratchett: Discworld Author Dies at 66

By Jack Phillips

March 12, 2015 Updated: July 18, 2015

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Terry Pratchett, the well-known fantasy author, is dead, according to reports. He’s probably best known for his “Discworld” series.

The BBC confirmed his death.

He was 66.

“The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds,” said Transworld Publisher spokesman Larry Finlay, per the BBC.

Finlay added: “In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet like few before him. As all who read him know, Discworld was his vehicle to satirize this world: He did so brilliantly, with great skill, enormous humour and constant invention.

“Terry faced his Alzheimer’s disease (an ’embuggerance’, as he called it) publicly and bravely. Over the last few years, it was his writing that sustained him. His legacy will endure for decades to come.

“My sympathies go out to Terry’s wife Lyn, their daughter Rhianna, to his close friend Rob Wilkins, and to all closest to him.”

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Terry Pratchett attends a photocall during MIPTV at Palais des festivals on April 13, 2010 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Tony Barson/Getty Images)

Sir Terry Pratchett poses for photographs after he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on February 18, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Nicholson - WPA Pool/Getty Images) — Sir Terry Pratchett poses for photographs after he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on February 18, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Nicholson – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Author Terry Pratchett arrives at the world television premiere of "Hogfather" at the Curzon Mayfair on November 27, 2006 in London, England. (Photo by Getty Images) — Author Terry Pratchett arrives at the world television premiere of “Hogfather” at the Curzon Mayfair on November 27, 2006 in London, England. (Photo by Getty Images)

Author Terry Pratchett poses for photographs outside Number 10 Downing Street on November 26, 2008 in London. Mr Pratchett, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers, handed in a petition on behalf of the Alzheimer's Research Trust calling for an increase in government funding for dementia research. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) — Author Terry Pratchett poses for photographs outside Number 10 Downing Street on November 26, 2008 in London. Mr Pratchett, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers, handed in a petition on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust calling for an increase in government funding for dementia research. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)