July 30, 2009 10:29 am
The author E. Lynn Harris died of heart disease, complicated by a hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office told The Associated Press. Mr. Harris, the author of several best-selling novels about black men with conflicted sexual identities, died on July 23 in Los Angeles while on a tour to promote his latest book, “Basketball Jones.” At that time, Laura Gilmore, a publicist for Mr. Harris, said that he fell ill last week on a train to Los Angeles, but he had seen a doctor and felt fine. Mr. Harris, who lived in Atlanta, was later found after having collapsed in his hotel room and could not be revived. Craig Harvey, the chief coroner of Los Angeles County, said that Mr. Harris died of natural causes.
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yawny July 30, 2009 · 11:56 am
On a TRAIN to Los Angeles? Seriously?!
Toshia Owens July 30, 2009 · 1:15 pm
I am so very much saddened by his death. My heart is so sad by his death. He was one of my very best I would buy his latest book and read it in a day and then be so floored at the great book and then be mad because I would have to wait for another new book for release. I will miss him greatly. There will be no other ever again..please keep his legacy alive.
Love
Toshia R Owens
Monique and Andrea July 30, 2009 · 2:03 pm
Who is going to tell the truth about the down low now?
Judy Doyle Atlanta, GA July 30, 2009 · 2:54 pm
E. lynn didn’t liek to fly, so yer he was on a train. I guess we will have to rely on J.L. King to keep us informed about the down low men.
Vanessa Crawford July 30, 2009 · 3:01 pm
I could not believe when I heard the news. I had just purchased ‘Just too good to be true’ and started reading it. Whenever I went to the book store to make a selection, I would have to read the reviews or flip through before selecting books by other authors, but never with E. Lynn’s books because I knew that I would enjoy it. I have never been disappointed with one of his. He will be greatly missed, another great talent lost in 2009.
My heart goes out to all the family, friends and fans of E. Lynn Harris
Vanessa in B’ham, AL.
John Upton July 30, 2009 · 10:18 pm
i have always enjoyed his books and i will greatly
miss he insight into the black gay community.
may he rest in peace.
Gwen July 31, 2009 · 1:55 pm
WOW! This is such a tragedy. He kept it real about so many down low men and had no quams about letting us know the real deal. My heart goes out to his family n the fans like myself who loved his books. What a loss! RIP
R.Pinnix July 31, 2009 · 4:41 pm
I will really miss reading his book his book are what got me to reading again.
Roberta Dillon July 31, 2009 · 11:24 pm
He was an amazing person and a talented writer. His candor and kindness were gifts to a world that needs both. I was happy to read that another book, Mama Dearest, is on the way. Part of the joy of reading his books was the opportunity to share them with friends. I was in Chicago yesterday and carrying Basketball Jones, when a woman on the street noticed my book. “Is he that man who writes about being gay,” she asked. “Well, that’s all right. We’re all different.” Yes, and in many ways, we’re all very much the same. He touched so many lives in his short, intense life. To quote Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Be glad because it happened.” Well, I think I’ll do both. Bless him and his generous soul and giving heart!
Deirdre August 1, 2009 · 1:42 pm
He was an Institution, an educator> He told it like it was and Had Us All sitting on the edge of our seats waiting and wanting more. I had each and everyone of his books and just Pre-ordered his latest one. God bless him and Pray for his family.
Paris Evans August 2, 2009 · 12:10 am
I read everything Mr. Harris wrote a beautiful Human no matter what his sexual prefernce he desired. I will greatly miss him and all the joy he brought to his novels. I want to send my condolences to his family may god bless you all in the time of sorrow. Know that he brought joy to millions left us waiting for the next book. Rest in peace and fly the heavenly skies rest with god..
Paris Evans
Jennifer August 3, 2009 · 1:46 pm
He was a savior for African American women, helping us to understand and be aware of the gay culture that exist within the lives of African American males.
Definitely a loss for African American literature
Winnie August 10, 2009 · 11:47 am
I was heartbroken. I still havent read basketball jones bc I know after that there will be no more E Lynn Harris to look forward to..RIP to the best to ever do it. 
Ms. V August 20, 2009 · 9:11 pm
I still can’t believe it. Im still as shocked today as I was nearly a month ago. He was one of my favorite authors. Gone too soon.
