Rhaegar, despite wounding Robert, was struck down with a massive blow from Robert's warhammer, which scattered the rubies encrusted in Rhaegar's armor under the water. Rhaegar died with Lyanna Stark's name on his lips.
I'm very late of course to the topic but had to say that I loved some of his books! Especially Out of Sight and Cuba Libre. And ever since Justified started on FX I've seen more and more people reading his work. A pity to see him go, but such is life.
