Obituary

Self-help guru Wayne Dyer ‘had no fear of death’

Best-selling self-help author and motivational speaker Wayne Dyer has died, his family said in a post on his official Facebook account on Sunday. He was 75.

"Wayne has left his body, passing away through the night. He always said he couldn't wait for this next adventure to begin and had no fear of dying," his family said in the post.

"Our hearts are broken but we smile to think of how much our scurvy elephant will enjoy the other side."

Dr Wayne Walter Dyer died last Saturday night in Maui, Hawaii, Reid Tracy, chief executive of his publisher Hay House told NBC News.

It was not immediately clear what caused his death.

Dyer wrote more than 40 books and 20 New York Times bestsellers on topics including psychological self-improvement and spirituality, according to his official website.

In 2009, he announced he had been diagnosed with lymphocytic leukaemia, reported CNN.

He was a psychotherapist and professor before starting his own self-help empire.

His first book, Your Erroneous Zones: Step-by-Step Advice For Escaping The Trap Of Negative Thinking And Taking Control Of Your Life, was published in 1976 and became an international bestseller, sparking his career as a writer and inspirational speaker.

His focus on self-help shifted later towards issues of spirituality and he was quoted on his website as once saying: "My purpose is to help people look at themselves and begin to shift their concepts.

"Remember, we are not our country, our race, or religion. We are eternal spirits."

As news of his death spread, many took to social media to share their favourite quotes of Dyer's and to post tributes.

"The world has lost an incredible man. Wayne Dyer officiated our wedding & was an inspiration to so many. Sending love," tweeted comedienne Ellen DeGeneres, along with a photo of the 2008 ceremony of her and actress Portia de Rossi.

Fellow motivational speaker and financial instructor Tony Robbins tweeted: "Wayne Dyer has passed away today. 4 those of us who loved him it's sad, but he knew death was a transition. We send love 4 his next adventure."

REUTERS

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 01, 2015, with the headline Self-help guru Wayne Dyer ‘had no fear of death’. Subscribe