Prolific adventure series writer Clive Cussler died February 24, 2020 at his Scottsdale, Arizona home at the age of 88. An official cause of death was not revealed.
Cussler was best known for his novels involving the National Underwater and Marine Agency, protagonist Dirk Pitt, and his antique car collection.
Cussler’s newest novel “Journey of the Pharaohs” is set for a March 10 release. There are a number of manuscripts waiting in the wings for a posthumous release.
Bringing the expression Life imitates art to life, Cussler created his own NUMA where he participated in numerous vessel searches.
An only child, he was born Clive Eric Cussler on July 15, 1931 in Aurora, Illinois but was raised in California. Like his NUMA stars Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino, Cussler served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War where he worked as a mechanic and flight engineer.
Prior to becoming a successful author, Cussler worked as a copywriter and creative director for an advertising agency. Cussler’s first novel was “Mediterranean Caper” in 1973. Since that first release, he has written dozens of novels in a variety of series including the Dirk Pitt novels, “The Oregon Files”, “The Fargo Series”, the Isaac Bell series, and “The NUMA Files”.
Predeceased by his first wife Barbara, Cussler is survived by his second wife Janet; children Dirk, Teri, and Dayna; four grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
feature photo credit: taken from Clive Cussler’s Facebook page