American mystery writer Gregory Mcdonald, best known for his Fletch character, has died. A 1985 movie was made based on this character that was played Chevy Chase. Mcdonald's manager Dan List informed that the author died Sunday, September 7, 2008, at the age of 71 at his farm in Pulaski, Tennessee. Gregory Mcdonald had been suffering from cancer.

He wrote 26 books and was twice presented with the Edgar Allen Poe Award by the Mystery Writers of America. Running Scared, Flynn, and The Brave are some of Mcdonald's well-known books. The late author also served as a journalist to the Boston Globe. Dan List said Mcdonald has instructed for no funeral to be held and so a memorial service may be later held.