Washington DC, March 29 -- Author LJ Smith, whose bestselling novel series, 'Vampire Diaries', were adapted for a hit TV show of the same name, passed away at the age of 66, reported Deadline.

Referring to a New York Times report, Deadline stated that the bestselling author died on March 8 in Walnut Creek, Calif, after suffering the effects of a rare autoimmune disease for a decade.

A statement on the author's website said she died "peacefully" after a "long bout" of illness. It also described the author as a person with a "kind and gentle" soul whose brilliance, creativity and resilience helped improve the lives of her family, friends and fans.

It stated, "Lisa was a kind and gentle soul whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and em...