Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, The411 on WHAS11 TV, ABC Affiliate, Louisville

(Louisville, KY)  The author known for her masterful books of mystery starting each with a letter of the alphabet has died.  Sue Grafton died on Thursday after a two year battle with cancer.  WHAS11 spoke to the author in August in Hopkinsville at the solar eclipse.

Grafton’s Hometown Hero Banner was dedicated in 2016.  The 27′ x 40′ banner is facing the east wall of the Springhill Suites/Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott at 132 E. Jefferson Street.

The Louisville native went to Atherton High School and later went on to graduate from the University of Louisville.

Grafton’s novels have been published in twenty-eight countries and in twenty-six languages.

The author’s family just posted a statement on her public figure page on social media.  Here’s their statement:  

“Hello Dear Readers. This is Sue’s daughter, Jamie. I am sorry to tell you all that Sue passed away last night after a two year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, including her devoted and adoring husband Steve. Although we knew this was coming, it was unexpected and fast. She had been fine up until just a few days ago, and then things moved quickly. Sue always said that she would continue writing as long as she had the juice. Many of you also know that she was adamant that her books would never be turned into movies or TV shows, and in that same vein, she would never allow a ghost writer to write in her name. Because of all of those things, and out of the deep abiding love and respect for our dear sweet Sue, as far as we in the family are concerned, the alphabet now ends at Y.” 

So, now we know that there will be no “Z” in Grafton’s series.  It will end with “Y”.  

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer just posted this statement on his social media page:

“The world has lost a great talent and prolific author in Sue Grafton — and in Louisville we have lost a citizen, friend, neighbor, a master gardener and hometown hero. Her legacy will live on through her words, which will entertain and thrill readers for generations to come.”

Sue Grafton was 77 years old.  Stay with Sherlene Shanklin and WHAS11 Television in Louisville for the latest information.  

If you have a story idea, send it to me at The411@whas11.com or thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  

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