Splinter Cell Author Tom Clancy dead

[Vahan]

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...icle-1.1473782

Tom Clancy, the best-selling author whose espionage thrillers set the bar for military , died Tuesday night, the New York Times reported.

He was 66.

The writer’s publisher told the newspaper that Clancy passed away in a Baltimore hospital near his Maryland home.

Clancy published his first book, "The Hunt for Red October," in 1984. The novel sold more than five million copies, and became the basis for a hit film starring Alec Baldwin. By 1988, Clancy had netted a $3 million contract with Putnam Penguin Publishing for his next three books.

Though best known for his novels, Clancy began his career working in an independent insurance agency. In 1993, the novelist joined a team of investors to buy the Baltimore Orioles from Eli Jacobs. He remained a part-time owner of the team until his death.