Richard Matheson Has Passed Away At 87

The world has just lost a legend.

Richard Matheson, author of classics such as I Am Legend, A Stir of Echoes, What Dreams May Come, and countless others, died on Sunday at 87.

Details of his passing are still largely unknown. Mathesons daughter, Ali, wrote the following of her father’s death:

“My beloved father passed away yesterday at home surrounded by the people and things he loved…he was funny, brilliant, loving, generous, kind, creative, and the most wonderful father ever…I miss you and love you forever Pop and I know you are now happy and healthy in a beautiful place full of love and joy you always knew was there…”

We can say without a doubt that the horror and sci-fi genres would be vastly different without Matheson’s work. I Am Legend remains one of the most terrifying and heartbreaking stories that I’ve ever read, and I don’t think that’s ever going to change. It’s a tale that I reread often, and one that’s impossible to get through without finding myself covered in goosebumps.

The film and television worlds have been just as blessed my Matheson’s craft. Film’s like Real Steel, Night of the Living Dead, The Omega Man, and many episodes of The Twilight Zone would never have existed without him.

Richard, you will be missed. Feel free to share your memories of Matheson’s work below.