It appears that David Eddings has died recently, too.

http://scifi.about.com/b/


Some Google work (not much) comes up with several hits, so I can only assume this isnt' a hoax.

I can still recite a couple scenes from the Belgariad and Mallorean by heart. And I am quite sure I scandalized my mother by reciting one at the dinner table that involved a character falling from a great height.

And bouncing.