Renowned author Daniel Simmons, celebrated for his influential science fiction work “Hyperion,” has passed away at the age of 77, as confirmed by his family. Simmons died on February 21 in Longmont, Colorado, surrounded by his loving wife Karen and their daughter Jane.
Fellow author David Morrell mourned Simmons on social media, sharing, “My dear friend & incomparable author Dan Simmons died Saturday from a stroke at age 77. He defied literary norms, exploring historical fiction, horror, crime & other genres.” Morrell emphasized Simmons’ unique approach to storytelling, describing him as “one of a kind.”
Born on April 4, 1948, in Peoria, Illinois, Simmons graduated with an English degree from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, later earning a graduate degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Before becoming a celebrated author, he had a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher in Missouri, Buffalo, New York, and Longmont, Colorado, where he served as a sixth-grade teacher. His commitment to education was evident as he co-created an innovative districtwide program for gifted students, earning recognition as a finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year during his 18-year teaching career.
Simmons leaves behind his wife and daughter, as well as his grandchildren Milo and Lucia Glenn and his brother Wayne. Plans for a Celebration of Life are forthcoming, and his ashes will be scattered at a later date.
Over his illustrious writing career, Simmons authored 31 novels and short story collections, with his works translated into at least 20 languages and published in 28 foreign countries. His debut novel “Song of Kali,” inspired by his experiences in Kolkata, India, won the World Fantasy Award in 1986. Simmons’ “Hyperion,” published in 1989, marked the beginning of a revered four-part science fiction series and earned him the Hugo Award.
Additionally, Simmons’ 2007 novel “The Terror” was adapted into a limited series by AMC, showcasing his ability to traverse different mediums while captivating audiences. His remarkable versatility in blending genres—from historical fiction to horror—defines his legacy as a writer who consistently pushed the boundaries of literature.