Octavia E. Butler (1947 - February 24, 2006), an esteemed American science fiction author, died at her home in Lake Forest Park, Washington, after a protracted illness. A prolific writer, Ms. Butler was the first science fiction author to be awarded a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. She wrote 11 novels and several short-story collections in her lifetime, five of which were awarded the Hugo Award for Best Novel. Her groundbreaking body of work explored themes of gender, race, and power dynamics in a highly imaginative way. Her works radically challenged popular notions of science fiction and are celebrated as pioneering entries in the field. Ms. Butler's legacy of influence continues, visible in the works of some of the most highly acclaimed science fiction authors today.