Like so many others, I am shocked and saddened by the tragic death of journalist Blake Hounshell. I pitched Blake a number of stories when he was a Politico Magazine editor. He was never an easy sell, and everything he ended up taking he made much better. We talked a lot about the risks to American democracy once he moved over to write the “On Politics” column and edit at the NY Times. He was brilliant and knew just the right questions to ask to get past the usual talking points to the heart of the matter. He cared about truth and he cared about democracy. He was also a fundamentally decent and caring person in an industry and era where those attributes can be hard to find.

Just reading the outpouring of love and mentorship from his fellow journalists is heart wrenching, and it pains me to know of his mental health struggles. He leaves behind a spouse and two children. If you can, consider giving to this GoFundMe for his family set up by the NYT and Politico.

May his memory be a blessing.