Swedish crime writer Henning Mankell, author of the "Wallander" series of crime novels, has passed away at the age of 67.
Mankell was diagnosed with cancer last year, and penned his experience battling the life-threatening disease in his last book, "Quicksand: What It Means To Be A Human Being," BBC News reported.
The author was considered as a leading light in the Nordic Noir genre after creating the famous character, Swedish police investigator Kurt Wallander in his best-selling novels. The series gained further recognition after it was turned into two television shows, including one starring British actor Sir Kenneth Branagh, according to The Telegraph.
Mankell's agent, Leopard Forlag, confirmed the death on Monday morning, saying: "He passed away quietly last night in the wake of disease."
"Henning Mankell is dead. He died in his sleep early this morning in Göteborg. He was 67 years old," read a statement on the author's website.
"Henning Mankell was one of the great Swedish authors of our time, loved by readers in Sweden and all over the world. His work includes around 40 novels and numerous plays. His books have sold more than 40 million copies and are translated into more than 40 languages," the statement continued.
"Solidarity with those in need run through his entire work and manifested itself in action until the very end."
Mankell is survived by his wife Eva Bergman and son Jon Mankell.
