Worldwide best-selling novelist Wilbur Smith has unexpectedly died at the age of 88. What was the cause of his death? The author’s wife, Mokhiniso Smith, was by his side when he passed away.
Wilbur Addison Smith, better known as Wilbur Smith, is a novelist from South Africa.
He specialized in historical fantasy writing about foreign involvement in Southern Africa. The writing spans 4 centuries and was written from the perspective of both black and white people.
Before becoming an author, Smith was an accountant. His first novel, When the Lion Feeds, was adapted into a movie, and it motivated him to become a full-fledged writer. All of his 3 long chronicles of the South African experience became best-selling novels.
Some of his other best-sellers are The River God and The Triumph of the Sun. Wilbur has sold over 140 million copies of his writings globally.
Currently, Smith is in the media after his sudden demise.
We are sorry to announce that the beloved, global bestselling author Wilbur Smith passed away unexpectedly this afternoon at his Cape Town home, with his wife Niso by his side. https://t.co/vHT7uIiwu1 pic.twitter.com/fh91Z11G86
— Wilbur Smith (@thewilbursmith) November 13, 2021
Who Is Wilbur Smith Wife Mokhiniso Smith?
Mokhiniso is Wilbur Smith’s 4th wife. Her maiden name is Mokhiniso Rakhimova, and she is also known as Niso.
The couple first met in London’s William Henry (WH) Smith store in 2000. She was by the author’s side when he took his last breaths.
They have 3 children together. The sons are Shaun and Lawrence, and their daughter is named Christian. Sources reported that Smith and his children were not very close. In an interview with Sunday Times, Smith revealed that his children would no longer be given his earnings and property.
Legendary thriller writer Wilbur Smith dies ‘unexpectedly’ at home in Cape Town aged 88 having spent the morning reading and writing with his wife Niso
https://t.co/NkbRUGBxdh— ĿЄßĪИÐЄR™ (@LeBinderxo) November 14, 2021
How Old Was Wilbur Smith?
Wilbur Smith was born on 9 January 1933 in Broken Hill, Northern Rhodesia. His father Herbert was a metalworker who owned a sheet metal factory, and his younger sister was named Adrienne.
Not much is known regarding his mother. He said in an interview that his mother loved books and read him a novel every night. He further said that her mother sparked his curiosity in novels.
The best-selling author lived by the motto “write about what you know best,” which was taught to him by his publisher Charles Pick.
Wilbur Smith Net Worth Explored
As of 2021, Wilbur Smith had an estimated net worth of over $14 million. He was the best-selling author multiple times.
He sold a total of 140 million copies of his writings worldwide. In 2014, His 3 chronicles of the South African experience sold 120 million copies.
He got a movie contract for his first-ever published novel. His main sources of earnings were books sales, royalty, and movie deals.
How Did Wilbur Smith Die? Death Cause Revealed
Smith passed away on 13 November 2021 in his hometown Cape Town, South Africa. Details regarding his death are not released to the public.
The author was already 88 years old when he passed away so, it is speculated that he died of natural causes.