William W. Johnstone was one of the most prolific and popular American authors of the 20th and 21st centuries, with over 200 books published in various genres, including western, horror, thriller, and post-apocalyptic fiction. His fans loved his action-packed stories, his vivid characters, and his historical accuracy. But how did this legendary writer die? What was the cause of his death? And what legacy did he leave behind?
Early Life and Career
William Wallace Johnstone was born on October 28, 1938, in southern Missouri. He was the youngest of four children. His father was a minister and his mother was a school teacher. He quit school when he was 15 and worked in a carnival and as a deputy sheriff. He later served in the United States Army and, upon returning to civilian life, worked in radio broadcasting for 16 years .
Johnstone started writing in 1970, but did not have any works published until 1979, when he released his first novel, The Devil’s Kiss . He soon became a full-time writer, producing close to 200 books in numerous genres. His main series were Mountain Man, The First Mountain Man, Ashes, and Eagles. His own personal favorite novel was The Last of the Dog Team (1980) . He also wrote two novels under the pseudonym William Mason . His works have been translated into several languages .
Death and Mystery
Johnstone died on February 8, 2004, at the age of 65. He passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee . However, his death remained officially unconfirmed for nearly three years and was the subject of continuous debate in the forum on his website . The reason for this mystery is unclear, but some speculate that it was due to legal or family issues .
The cause of his death is also unknown. Some sources claim that he died of natural causes , while others suggest that he suffered from a heart attack or a stroke . There is no official statement or obituary from his family or publisher to confirm or deny these rumors.
Legacy and Continuation
Despite his death, Johnstone’s books continue to be published under his name. According to the copyright pages of some books published in 2006 and later, a “carefully selected author” was chosen to carry on his legacy . This author is J.A. Johnstone, his niece, who continues to write new books in his series with the help of his longtime editorial director, Gary Goldstein, and agent, Robin Rue .
The decision to continue publishing Johnstone books under his name has been met with criticism by some fans and reviewers, who argue that it is misleading and disrespectful to the original author . However, others appreciate the effort to keep Johnstone’s world alive and enjoy the new stories and characters.
Johnstone’s books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide and have influenced many other writers and readers. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest western writers of all time and a visionary storyteller who predicted many events and trends in his novels. His fans remember him as a master of adventure, action, and suspense who created unforgettable heroes and villains.
Conclusion
William W. Johnstone was a remarkable author who left behind a rich and diverse body of work that spans many genres and themes. His cause of death remains a mystery, but his legacy lives on through his books and his loyal fans. He will always be remembered as one of the best western writers of the century.
