Remembering Evan Wright: Acclaimed Author and Journalist Dies by Suicide at 59

Evan Wright, the renowned author of "Generation Kill" and a courageous journalist who embedded himself with U.S. Marines during the Iraq War, has tragically passed away at the age of 59. His death has sent shockwaves through the literary and journalistic communities.

Evan Wright, the acclaimed author and journalist known for his incisive reporting on the Iraq War and his book "Generation Kill," has passed away at the age of 59. His death by suicide has left his family, friends, and the literary world in mourning.

Wright's career was marked by his exceptional courage and determination to tell the unvarnished truth. In 2003, he embedded himself with the U.S. Marines during the Iraq War and chronicled their experiences in a groundbreaking series of articles for Rolling Stone magazine titled "The Killer Elite."

Remembering Evan Wright: Acclaimed Author and Journalist Dies by Suicide at 59

For his fearless reporting, Wright received the National Magazine Award for Excellence in Reporting. He later expanded on his experiences in the book "Generation Kill," which became a critically acclaimed HBO miniseries.

"Generation Kill" offered an unflinching account of the horrors of war from the perspective of the young Marines who fought it. Wright's writing captured the raw emotions, camaraderie, and unwavering determination of these soldiers.

Remembering Evan Wright: Acclaimed Author and Journalist Dies by Suicide at 59

Wright's contributions to the book and its subsequent adaptation were invaluable. David Simon, one of the writers for the show, praised Wright's "elemental" role in shaping the narrative.

Wright's work was not limited to war zones. He also wrote about the dark underbelly of the drug recovery industry in "Bad Therapist" and the rise and fall of a Colombian drug lord in "American Desperado."

Remembering Evan Wright: Acclaimed Author and Journalist Dies by Suicide at 59

In all his endeavors, Wright displayed a remarkable empathy for the human condition. He delved into the lives of his subjects with sensitivity and understanding, seeking to expose the truth and provide a voice to the voiceless.

Wright's deep connection to the Marines who shared their experiences with him was evident in his work. Lt. Nathan Fick, who was prominently featured in "The Killer Elite," described Wright as a "good and gentle guy in a place that was neither good nor gentle."

Remembering Evan Wright: Acclaimed Author and Journalist Dies by Suicide at 59

Fick recalled how Wright remained by his side despite the dangers, spending nights at the forward edge of the invasion. "He wasn't a Marine, but many of us who spent March and April, 2003 alongside him have thought of Evan for the past two decades as one of us," Fick said.

Just before his death, Wright was promoting the Max series "Teen Torture, Inc.," in which he spoke about the disturbing practices within the "troubled teen" industry. His unwavering commitment to exposing injustice and shining a light on societal ills remained evident until the very end.

Evan Wright's legacy will live on through his powerful writing and the countless lives he touched with his empathy and courage. He was a true storyteller and a tireless advocate for the truth. His loss is a profound blow to the literary and journalistic communities, and he will be deeply missed.