Award-winning reporter and author Evan Wright, known for his immersion journalism and the book Generation Kill, tragically passed away last week at the age of 59. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Wright died by suicide on July 12 at a residence in L.A. from a gunshot wound to the head.
Wright had been actively promoting the documentary Teen Torture, Inc. before his death. The documentary explores his time in The Seed, a controversial program for at-risk adolescents in South Florida. Wright had been vocal about the lasting trauma experienced by survivors of such programs, which have come under scrutiny for their extreme methods.
His acclaimed work, Generation Kill, based on his experiences embedded with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan, earned him a National Magazine Award for excellence in reporting in 2004. The book delves into the realities faced by the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Bravo Company platoon during the U.S. invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan.
David Simon, showrunner for Generation Kill, paid tribute to Wright's contributions to the series, highlighting his charm and storytelling prowess. Wright authored several other books, including Hella Nation, American Desperado, and How to Get Away with Murder in America, showcasing his diverse range of interests and investigative skills.
Born in Cleveland and raised in Ohio, Wright's career path was marked by a mix of challenges and successes. Despite being expelled from school and enduring abuse at The Seed, he went on to study at prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Vassar College.
As a journalist, Wright tackled controversial topics with nuance and detail, earning a reputation for his gallows humor and in-depth reporting. He leaves behind his wife, Kelli, and three children, mourning the loss of a talented journalist and storyteller.
