Obituary Summary: Greg Iles (1960–2025)
Greg Iles, the acclaimed Mississippi novelist behind the Natchez Burning trilogy, passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 65, after a prolonged struggle with multiple myeloma.
Multiple Myeloma: Initially diagnosed in 1996, Iles kept his battle with this incurable blood cancer largely private, continuing his writing career in spite of the diagnosis.
His final novel, Southern Man, was completed and published in 2024—Iles revealed his health condition publicly around this time as he prepared to undergo treatment.
Early Life & Connection to Mississippi: Born in Germany in 1960, Iles moved to Natchez, Mississippi, when he was three. His family’s roots deeply influenced the settings and themes of his work.
Accident & Recovery: In 2011, Iles survived a serious car accident that resulted in a ruptured aorta, induced coma, and the loss of his right leg below the knee. He made a remarkable recovery and went on to complete his bestselling trilogy during this time.
Literary Community & Legacy:
Iles was respected for weaving complex narratives around themes of race, justice, and social responsibility in the American South.
He was also a member of The Rock Bottom Remainders, a band of authors that included literary names like Stephen King and Amy Tan.
His literary agent, Dan Conaway, remembered him as “warm, funny, fearless, and completely sui generis,” embodying “genius at work” with profound humanity.
Greg Iles leaves behind a powerful body of work rooted in Mississippi’s history and social fabric, brought to life through gripping storytelling and unwavering perseverance. His life—marked by creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of community—continues to inspire. If you’d like, I can help you explore his novels, interviews, or more about his writing journey.
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