Nelson DeMille, prolific author of action-packed adventures, dies at 81

Nelson DeMille, a prolific author of action-packed adventures, has died at 81. 

"Nelson fought a valiant nine-month battle with esophageal cancer. True to form, he faced this ordeal with courage, grace, and good humor. We are grieving, but also celebrating his wonderful life and his lasting legacy as a father, friend, and storyteller," his family said in a statement to CBS News.

DeMille authored 23 books, according to his website, including two he wrote with his son, author Alex DeMille.