FREDERICK FORSYTH DIES, "THE DAY OF THE JACKAL" AUTHOR WAS 86

OBITUARY • The celebrated British writer Frederick Forsyth, master of the political thriller and author of bestsellers like "The Day of the Jackal," has passed away at the age of 86 after a short illness. He wrote over 25 books, selling more than 75 million copies worldwide.

Frederick Forsyth, the renowned author of "The Day of the Jackal" and numerous other bestselling thrillers, has died at the age of 86, following a short illness. His literary agent, Jonathan Lloyd, announced the news on Monday.

Lloyd stated that the celebrated British writer passed away at his home, surrounded by family. "We mourn the passing of one of the world's greatest thriller writers," Lloyd said.

Before embarking on his career as a novelist, Forsyth served as a Royal Air Force pilot and later as a foreign correspondent.

It was "The Day of the Jackal", published in 1971, that brought him global fame. This political thriller, centered on a professional assassin, was adapted into a film in 1973 and, more recently, into a television series starring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.

Throughout his prolific career, Frederick Forsyth wrote more than 25 books, including the acclaimed "The Afghan", "The Kill List", and "The Fist of God", collectively selling over 75 million copies worldwide.