NY Times Star Reporter Blake Hounshell Dies Suddenly

New York Times journalist Blake Hounshell, the editor of the “On Politics” newsletter, has died by suicide, his family says. In the past he also worked for Politico and Foreign Policy.

“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 family said in a brief statement. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, and two children.

Hounshell had worked on Monday’s edition of the On Politics newsletter and was active on Twitter just a few hours before his death was announced. A story with his byline also appeared on the newspaper’s website.

“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,” executive editor Joe Kahn said in an email to colleagues. “He became an indispensable and always insightful voice in the report during a busy election cycle.”

Kahn added: “We’ve just lost a valuable colleague and this is a heartbreaking loss for our team … 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.”

Heartbroken, truly over the news about Blake Hounshell. He was a mentor and friend, a newsroom leader and, above all, a mensch. I feel so much sadness that he's gone.

— Sam Stein (@samstein) January 10, 2023

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

Blake Hounshell is the reason I'm at Politico. The fact that he believed in me meant so much. His passing is devastating. I'm heartbroken for all his friends and family. https://t.co/ShGivCqTbS

— Hailey Fuchs (@Hailey_Fuchs) January 10, 2023

I was reading Blake when he had a Typepad blog called praktike – incredible writer and editor, what an awful loss https://t.co/bCfglKWX3L

— dylan matthews (@dylanmatt) January 10, 2023

Before joining the New York Times in 2021, Hounshell served as managing editor of the Washington and Politics team at Politico, where he worked for about 7 years in total. He was also a managing editor at Foreign Policy.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis related to suicide, mental health or substance use, dial or text the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to speak with a counselor in your area. If you’re in the UK, call the Samaritans at 116123.