So long Jack Ketchum

American actor and horror writer Jack Ketchum has died at the age of 71 from cancer.

His good friend writer Christopher Golden confirmed the sad news on Twitter.

He wrote: "I'm numb. No other word for it. Horror legend and my friend for many, many years, Dallas Mayr (aka JackKetchum ) has passed away after a long battle with cancer. Farewell, old friend. I'm so sorry to see you go."

A tweet on Jack's own Twitter account read: "Kev the Webmaster tweeting - Dallas Mayr, Jack Ketchum, passed away this morning, after a long battle with cancer.

"He was grateful for all of you, and he will be sorely, sorely missed."