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William C. Dietz, the science-fiction novelist whose work included the official novelization of Halo: Combat Evolved and tie-in fiction for Star Wars, has died. His family confirmed his passing in a statement on his official website; Halo Waypoint reported that he died earlier in March 2026, aged 81. His exact date of death has not been established by those sources.
Who was William C. Dietz?
Dietz was an American novelist whose work spanned original science fiction and books based on established game and film franchises. Simon & Schuster describes him as the author of more than 60 novels and lists his lifespan as 1945–2026. Its biography also notes a varied career before full-time writing: he worked as a surgical technician, news writer, college instructor, television producer and public-relations director for an international telephone company. He served as a medic with the Navy and Marines and graduated from the University of Washington.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Halo: The Fall of Reach | $8.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Halo: Parasite's Wake | $17.71 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Halo: Ghosts of Onyx | $14.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Halo: The Flood | $14.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Halo: Contact Harvest | $13.48 | Buy on Amazon |
What did he write for Halo?
Dietz wrote Halo: The Flood, released in 2003 as the official novelization of Halo: Combat Evolved. The book retells the game’s events while widening the view beyond its central protagonist, using other characters’ perspectives to add context to the story. Simon & Schuster’s listing for Halo: The Flood identifies Dietz as its author and the novel as an adaptation of the game.
His work across other franchises and series
Halo Waypoint’s remembrance also cites Dietz’s tie-in books for Star Wars, Hitman, Mass Effect and StarCraft. Simon & Schuster highlights StarCraft: Heaven’s Devils and Dietz’s Legion of the Damned series alongside Halo: The Flood. His career therefore encompassed both licensed universes and a substantial body of original fiction.
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What his family and Halo Waypoint said
Dietz’s family announced his death collectively in a memorial statement on his official website: “With heavy hearts, we want to share the passing of our husband and father, William C Dietz.” The family also wrote, “He brought joy to many, as a friend and an author.”
Halo Waypoint published an in memoriam confirming his death and reporting that he had passed away earlier in March 2026, at age 81. Simon & Schuster gives his lifespan as 1945–2026. These sources establish the year and, in Halo Waypoint’s account, the month and age, but not an exact day.
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