David Carr (1956-2015), Beloved New York Times Columnist, Author, and Media Critic

“David Carr 2013” by Ian Linkletter

David Carr, the beloved author of The New York Times column “The Media Equation”, critic, author, and star of the 2011 documentary Page One: Inside the New York Times, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away last night after moderating a panel at The New School. He collapsed in the Times newsroom–the place where he worked since 2002 after overcoming an intense cocaine addiction–and was brought to St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly before 9:00 PM. He was only 58 years old.

David Carr was our champion: the best we had, the one who made the case every week for what we do http://t.co/Qr27AFp96O

— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 13, 2015

David’s friends, co-workers and cohorts have come out on social media en masse to express their sadness and share their stories about the charismatic curmudgeon who regularly took the the media to task.

With Eddie Codel at SXSW 2011 – photo by Scott Beale

With Anthony DeRosa at SXSW 2011 – photo by Scott Beale

Here's Carr in my backyard doing what he loved most: smoking, drinking coffee, and working on his column. pic.twitter.com/nkz9NGVBXT

— Nick Bilton (@nickbilton) February 13, 2015

David Carr was your favorite journalist’s favorite journalist.

— Peter Rojas (@peterrojas) February 13, 2015

We are diminished by the loss of anyone. And David Carr was one of the best. @nytimes @PBS

— Ken Burns (@KenBurns) February 13, 2015

Such a beautiful man, a funny, kind and generous soul, one of the few genuinely good people I know. I am devastated.

— Anthony De Rosa (@AntDeRosa) February 13, 2015

Still stunned learning of @carr2n's passing. Honored to have worked w/him at @wcp in the mid-90s. RIP David Carr.

— Eddie Codel (@ekai) February 13, 2015

Rest in Peace David. You will be sorely missed.

via The New York Times, Circa