New York Times Journalist Blake Hounshell Tragically Dead at 44 After Battle with Depression

Blake Hounshell died on Tuesday announced the New York Times.

“We are deeply saddened to share the tragic news that our colleague Blake Hounshell has passed away. Many of us worked closely alongside Blake since he joined The Times in 2021. Blake was a dedicated journalist who quickly distinguished himself as our lead politics newsletter writer and a gifted observer of our country’s political scene. He became an indispensable and always insightful voice in the report during a busy election cycle,” read a memo from Times executive editor Joe Khan and managing editor Carolyn Ryan.

The memo went on, “Blake was devoted to his family and a friend of many on our politics and Washington teams, who have worked alongside him for many years. We will be in touch with more information on how to support his family soon.”

His family issued a statement, “It is with great sorrow that we have to inform you that Blake has suddenly died this morning after a long and courageous battle with depression. His wife, Sandy, and two children are in our thoughts and prayers, and ask for respect and privacy at this time.”

Hounshell was a well-respected journalist and was credited for launching other’s careers in journalism.

Liam Stack a NYT journalist shared on Twitter:

“I am so shocked and so sad to hear about the tragic death of BlakeHounshell (@NYTBlake @blakehounshell.) I met him in Cairo when I was 22, on the day I got my very first newspaper job. I was excited when he joined The Times and wish I’d spent more time hanging out with him here.”

I am so shocked and so sad to hear about the tragic death of Blake Hounshell (@NYTBlake @blakehounshell.) I met him in Cairo when I was 22, on the day I got my very first newspaper job. I was excited when he joined The Times and wish I’d spent more time hanging out with him here. pic.twitter.com/sdvY78NTDt

— Liam Stack (@liamstack) January 10, 2023

Staff writer for the Newyorker Susan Glasser tweeted:

“Blake Hounshell was my friend, partner, and journalistic inspiration for many years through our time together at Foreign Policy and Politico. I will have more to say but for now, I just want to say how much I will miss him. RIP, dear friend.”

Blake Hounshell was my friend, partner, and journalistic inspiration for many years through our time together at Foreign Policy and Politico. I will have more to say but for now I just want to say how much I will miss him. RIP, dear friend. pic.twitter.com/DYUSEozPpv

— Susan Glasser (@sbg1) January 10, 2023

Editor of Politico Marty Kady shared:

“Blake Hounshell was all the wonderful things you’re seeing from other journalists here. I just wish he could see all these damn tweets about him. My office neighbor at Politico for six years always lifted me up with good ideas, sharp retorts and humor. RIP friend.”

Blake Hounshell was all the wonderful things you’re seeing from other journalists here. I just wish he could see all these damn tweets about him. My office neighbor at Politico for six years always lifted me up with good ideas, sharp retorts and humor. RIP friend.

— Marty Kady (@mkady) January 10, 2023

Hounshell had a very large impact on many journalists in the political arena, his absence will leave a hole and he will be missed by many.