How did Laurence Sterne die?

Laurence Sterne, who suffered from incurable tuberculosis throughout his adult life, died in his London lodgings on March 18, 1768. Shortly after publishing A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy, he collapsed; while lying in his room, he raised his arm as if to ward off a blow, remarked, "Now it is come," and passed away.1

Following his death, his remains were subject to a grim post-mortem event: his body was stolen by grave robbers and taken to Cambridge to be used for an anatomy lecture. After someone recognized him, his body was quietly returned to the grave. His remains were later exhumed and now rest in the churchyard at Coxwold, near his former home, Shandy Hall.1