Millions of puzzle fans opening their Sunday crossword this week didn't know the game they crave lost one of its masters: the inimitable Merl Reagle. The Tampa resident died over the weekend from complications due to acute pancreatitis, his wife told the Tampa Bay Times.
#RIP #MerlReagle, crossword puzzler, master of the rhythmics of the grid.
— Carrie Rickey (@CarrieRickey) August 24, 2015
New York Times Puzzle Editor Will Shortz said crosswords are known for puns, but Reagle's puzzles "were not just clever, they would make you laugh."
Reagle's work was so famous, he along with Shortz was featured on an episode of "The Simpsons."
Shortz said he and Reagle had a love of words in common, and they grew up "reading the dictionary." Reagle told him he began interlocking words at a very young age and working with building blocks, which may have lead him to his love of crossword puzzles.
Reagle was also featured in the 2006 documentary about Shortz called "Wordplay."
