Marvel has confirmed that Will Murray, the writer who co-created Squirrel Girl with artist Steve Ditko, has died at 73. A Keohane Funeral Home obituary says Murray died August 25 in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Marvel's August 31 statement described Murray as an author, editor, journalist and pulp historian, and identified Squirrel Girl as his co-creation. The confirmation is the current development; the obituary supplies the earlier death date.
Will Murray, prolific author, editor, journalist, pulp historian, and co-creator of beloved Marvel character Squirrel Girl, has sadly passed away. His writing was energetic, optimistic, with a larger-than-life style that inspired so many. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/UyVMNh7XuI
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) August 31, 2026
Open Marvel's statement on X
Will Murray and Steve Ditko Introduced Squirrel Girl in 1991
Murray and Ditko introduced Squirrel Girl in Marvel Super-Heroes #8, published in 1991. Marvel's history entry credits both creators and notes that the character later appeared in her own series and across other Marvel titles.
That 1991 issue is the starting point for Squirrel Girl's published history. Later stories gave her a recurring role in her own series and other Marvel titles.
Murray's Marvel Work Began With Iron Man
The obituary says Marvel first asked Murray to write an Iron Man story. It also identifies his work as an editor, journalist and pulp historian beyond that Marvel assignment.
Related Stories
Sources: Marvel's August 31 statement on X, the Keohane Funeral Home obituary and Marvel's Squirrel Girl history entry.