Evan Wright, ‘Generation Kill’ Journalist and TV Writer, Dies at 59

Evan Alan Wright, the journalist whose Iraq War reporting inspired the book and miniseries “Generation Kill,” has passed away by suicide at the age of 59. His sister, Nora, confirmed his death.

Wright’s notable career included traveling to Afghanistan and Iraq for Rolling Stone. His exceptional work earned him a National Magazine Award for Excellence in Reporting in 2004 for his series titled “The Killer Elite,” which was written while he was embedded with the U.S. Marine Corps. He also exposed a top CIA officer allegedly involved with the Mafia as a hitman in his article “How to Get Away With Murder in America.”

“Generation Kill” was transformed into an HBO miniseries in 2008 by David Simon, the creator of “The Wire.” Wright contributed as a writer for the miniseries alongside Simon and Ed Burns. Actor Lee Tergesen portrayed him in the show.

In addition to his work on “Generation Kill,” Wright’s 2002 true crime article “Mad Dogs & Lawyers” was featured in “The Best American Crime Writing.” His dedication to journalism also extended to Rolling Stone, Time, and Vanity Fair, where he compiled his best pieces for 2009’s “Hella Nation.”

Recently, Wright had been active on Twitter, discussing a disciplinary program he experienced as a teenager. Wright’s ordeal at the Seed juvenile delinquent center, which he wrote about in his book “The Seed: A Memoir,” was highlighted in the HBO docuseries “Teen Torture Inc.” He described his time there as violent and abusive, leading to severe PTSD.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Evan Alan Wright is survived by his wife Kelli, sons Carter and Evan Jr., daughter Kennedy, and his sister Nora.

More to come…

Source: TheWrap