Actually, did Cussler kill him off or switch characters? I remember laughing after seeing a Cussler novel at the grocery store and being surprised that it didn't feature Dirk Pitt but a new character team from NUMA. So, your wish may have been granted!
And don't forget, he always manages to save the world from all those dark conspirators (and usually going in with almost his bare hands!).
Stephanie
In every man there is something wherein I may learn of him, and in that I am his pupil.--Ralph Waldo Emerson