This sad news is true. John Z. Delorean, Former General Motors Executive and developer of the futuristic sports car, the DeLorean, died yesterday (Saturday March 19th 2005) at age 80 from complications from a stroke.
Here is some more information:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/03/20/obit.delorean/http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=597996R.I.P Mr. DeLorean. Your car will live on forever through the BTTF films as well as DeLorean owners and fans everywhere. :(