Colombian journalist and writer Germán Castro Caycedo dies

(CNN Spanish) – The Colombian journalist and writer Germán Castro Caycedo died this Thursday at the age of 81, according to reported on Twitter the president of Colombia, Iván Duque.

Castro Caycedo “leaves a wide legacy to journalism and literature. All our solidarity with his family,” wrote Duque.

The Colombian Ministry of Culture also mourned his death on Twitter. “His contribution to the country’s literature and journalism will continue to inspire new generations. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Although the cause of death is not known, shortly after the death of the writer’s brother, Gustavo Castro Caycedo, told the Colombian media Blu Radio that his brother had had colon cancer for about a month.

Colombian media indicate that he died in Bogotá.

Castro Caycedo, who was born in 1940 in Zipaquirá, department of Cundinamarca, was the author of renowned literary works such as “Lost in the Amazon”, “My soul left it to the devil” and “El Karina”, for which he won the Rodolfo prize. Walsh Award for Best Nonfiction in 1999.

In 2015 he won the Simón Bolívar National Journalism Award for “Life and work of a journalist.” He was also a chronicler for the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo and creator of the television program “Special Envoy”, of which he was director for two decades.