The world of journalism is mourning the loss of Evan Wright, a National Magazine Award-winning journalist and longtime contributor to Rolling Stone, who has tragically died at the age of 59. His death, confirmed by his wife to Rolling Stone, was caused by suicide. Wright was renowned for his harrowing first-person reporting from war zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq, and his impactful writing has left a lasting legacy.
Evan Wright was born with a passion for storytelling and a fearless approach to journalism. He rose to prominence through his work with Rolling Stone, where he covered some of the most dangerous and compelling stories of his time. His series of articles on Iraq, where he was embedded with a U.S. Marine Corps battalion, was serialized in Rolling Stone under the title “The Killer Elite.” This series earned him a National Magazine Award for Excellence in Reporting in 2004, cementing his reputation as a top-tier journalist.
Wright expanded this groundbreaking reporting into the book Generation Kill, which provided an in-depth look at the Iraq War through the eyes of the Marines. The book was later adapted into an HBO miniseries by The Wire creator David Simon in 2008, with Wright serving as a writer alongside Simon and Ed Burns. In the miniseries, Wright was portrayed by actor Lee Tergesen, bringing his vivid experiences to a broader audience.
Throughout his career, Evan Wright tackled a diverse array of subjects with skill and dedication. In 2002, his true crime article “Mad Dogs & Lawyers,” which explored a web of murder, illegal dog breeding, and the California penal system, was published in Rolling Stone. This piece was later included in The Best American Crime Writing for true crime, highlighting his versatility as a writer.
Wright’s tenure at Rolling Stone was marked by a series of high-profile features on celebrities and cultural icons, including Shakira, Quentin Tarantino, and female boxer Lucia Rijker. He delved into the secret life of sorority girls at Ohio State University, reported from the anarchist underground, and detailed Jimi Hendrix’s mob kidnapping in an excerpt from the book American Desperado, which he co-wrote with drug trafficker Jon Roberts.
In addition to his work with Rolling Stone, Wright contributed articles to Time and Vanity Fair, showcasing his broad appeal and journalistic prowess. His early career included a stint at Hustler, where he was the magazine’s main pornographic film reviewer, demonstrating his ability to navigate and report on a wide range of topics.
Evan Wright’s contributions to literature extended beyond his journalistic articles. His books include Hella Nation (2009), a collection of his writings that captures the fringes of American culture, and How to Get Away With Murder in America (2012), an investigative work that explores the underbelly of crime and corruption.
Most recently, Wright appeared in the HBO docuseries Teen Torture Inc., where he revisited the Seed juvenile delinquent center he was sent to in his youth. This harrowing experience was also detailed in his book The Seed: A Memoir, providing a personal and poignant insight into his early life and the formative experiences that shaped him as a journalist.
Evan Wright’s fearless approach to journalism and his ability to bring complex, often harrowing stories to light has left an indelible mark on the field. His work not only informed the public but also provided a voice to those in war zones and underrepresented communities. His dedication to uncovering the truth, regardless of the personal risk, exemplifies the highest standards of journalism.
Wright’s passing is a significant loss to the journalistic community and to the readers who were captivated by his work. His legacy will continue through his influential articles, books, and the powerful impact he had on both journalism and the broader cultural landscape.
Evan Wright’s death at the age of 59 is a tragic loss for journalism and the many readers and viewers who were deeply affected by his work. His fearless reporting, compelling storytelling, and commitment to uncovering the truth have left a lasting legacy. As the community mourns his passing, they also celebrate the contributions he made to the field of journalism and the powerful stories he shared with the world.
