The Natchez community and literary world are mourning the loss of Greg Iles, a beloved New York Times Bestselling author, who passed away at the age of 65 on August 15. Iles succumbed to multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, at approximately 5 a.m., after a long, private battle with the disease that began in 1996 when he was just 36 years old.

For two decades, Iles kept his illness largely private while continuing to craft novels that captivated readers worldwide. He revealed his diagnosis publicly only upon completing his final novel, “Southern Man”, describing it as an important political work addressing contemporary issues. In a 2024 interview, Iles explained that he delayed a stem cell transplant to finish the book, saying, “I was not going into a procedure… without it being finished.”

Mayor of Natchez, Dan Gibson, expressed his sorrow, calling Iles a “talented and brilliant author” and a “friend to all of Natchez,” highlighting the profound impact of his storytelling and advocacy for justice.

Over his career, Iles published 17 New York Times Bestselling books, beginning with Spandau Phoenix in 1993. His novels have been translated into more than 20 languages, published in over 35 countries, and adapted into films, solidifying his global literary legacy.

Born in Germany in 1960 and raised in Natchez, Mississippi, Iles graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1983. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, and their four children.

Greg Iles leaves behind a lasting legacy of storytelling, courage, and inspiration, remembered not only for his literary achievements but also for his dedication to truth, justice, and the human spirit.