Vedrana Rudan, Acclaimed Croatian Writer Known for Her Frankness, Dies at 76

Renowned Croatian writer and columnist Vedrana Rudan has passed away at the age of 76 following a battle with a serious illness. Her death was announced on her official website with the poignant phrase, "Vedrana has gone to the area without signal" – words Rudan herself had used to describe her impending death while still alive.

In March 2025, during an appearance on the television show "Nedjeljom u 2," Rudan openly discussed her terminal illness. True to her characteristic style, she refused to sentimentalize her condition, mirroring the unvarnished approach she took in her books and columns. "There are many people who love me, and I love them. And if I were immortal. Let them understand my death as a departure to an area without signal," she stated then.

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Vedrana has gone to the area without signal.

Nearly a year and a half prior, in May 2024, Rudan had publicly revealed her diagnosis of bile duct cancer. She discussed her treatment, hospital stays, doctors, and the physical challenges and fear of death with her typical directness, often without softening her words for public consumption. Her blog, "A Girl in the Embrace of Metastases," attracted millions of readers who followed her candid reflections.

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There are many people who love me, and I love them. And if I were immortal. Let them understand my death as a departure to an area without signal.

Rudan, born in Opatija in 1949, graduated with a degree in Croatian and German language studies. Before achieving fame as a writer, she worked various jobs, including teaching, tour guiding, and journalism. Her journalistic career included stints at prominent Croatian media outlets like Feral Tribune and Nacional, as well as Radio Rijeka, where she was dismissed in 1991 for her critical stance on contemporary politics.

Her significant literary career began in 2002 with the novel "Uho, grlo, nož" (Ear, Throat, Knife), followed by many other successful works. She was married for 38 years to Ljubiša Drageljević, a Serbian lawyer eight years her junior, whom she credited with teaching her tolerance and improving her life. Drageljević remained by her side throughout her illness, assisting with her daily care and even her writing in the final stages.

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He bathed me, dressed me, undressed me, put little socks on my feet before bed.