The writer, whose real name was Madeleine Sophie Wickham, was diagnosed in 2022 with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She revealed her diagnosis publicly in 2024.
In a statement posted to her social media accounts on Wednesday, her family wrote: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy.
“We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life,” the statement continued. “Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed—to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career.”
Kinsella’s books sold more than 50 million copies in over 60 countries and were translated into more than 40 languages. Her family concluded, “She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received. She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking.”
By James Kisoo
