Gay author E Lynn Harris died of a heart attack

E Lynn Harris, who died unexpectedly last week, suffered a heart attack.

The author, who wrote fiction on black gay relationships, was 54.

He collapsed on a business trip in Los Angeles on Thursday July 32rd. Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office confirmed he died of a heart attack brought on by cardio-vascular disease.

Harris wrote his first book, Invisible Life, in 1991. Since then, ten of his novels hit the New York Times’ bestseller lists.

Basketball Jones was published in January and he planned to release another book in October.

He was born in Flint, Michigan, but later moved to Arkansas. He started his career as a computer salesman.

Harris studied journalism at the University of Arkansas, becoming the first black yearbook editor and the first male black cheerleader.

In a 2006 interview, he said: “It’s difficult for a lot of black men to be honest about their sexuality. I’m fortunate enough to have a career where I can be who I am and I don’t have to lie about it. I understand that the rest of the world isn’t as accepting. I don’t condone it, but I understand it.”