New York Times journalist David Carr died Thursday. He was 58.
Times staffers confirmed his death to BuzzFeed News shortly before the paper published his obituary.
In a note to employees, Executive Editor Dean Baquet said Carr "died suddenly tonight after collapsing in the newsroom."
Carr's wife and one of his daughters were joined by a group of Times staffers at the hospital, Baquet added.
"He was the finest media reporter of his generation, a remarkable and funny man who was one of the leaders of our newsroom," Baquet wrote.
Publisher Arthur Sulzberger Thursday called Carr "one of the most gifted journalists who has ever worked at The New York Times." Sulzberger added that "he combined formidable talent as a reporter with acute judgement to become an indispensable guide to modern media."
Reaction to Carr's death was a mix of disbelief and shock among co-workers and fans.
In the world of journalism, David Carr was a rock of integrity and a rock of courage. So hard to accept that that rock is suddenly gone.
A lot of sweet praise for @carr2n. I didn't know him well, but my colleagues are absolutely gutted by this gift that has been taken from us.
David Carr was the most generous journalist I've ever known--nobody more willing to help his brethren. That was only one of his gifts
God, David Carr's columns were so on point, so enthralling. An education every week. A terrible loss.
I knew to respect the NYT. But Carr's book & columns taught me to love it. He loved this place, and he explained it better than anyone.
He invigorated our newsroom and left his legacy there tonight. David Carr was 58. http://t.co/Pn4hXvrD4n
David Carr gave me hope, helped me feel I was in the right place doing the right thing. Grateful for his wisdom and spirit.
David Carr died today at 58. I owe him far more than 140. I owe him my career. http://t.co/kwVFWjFss2
Shadid. Carr. The very best at the height of their powers at the most crucial moment when the world needed them most.
Earlier in the evening, Carr appeared at a New School and Times event in conversation with Edward Snowden, Glenn Greenwald, and Laura Poitras.
Tonite: @carr2n + @ggreenwald + Ed Snowden + Laura Poitras discussing surveillance & @citizenfour in NYC.
Information on what caused his death was not immediately available.
Carr was known for his columns on the media, as well as his candid 2008 memoir, The Night of the Gun.
He joined the Times in 2002, following work for the Washington City Paper and The Twin Cities Reader, according to the Times. He is survived by his wife, Jill Rooney Carr, and three daughters.
Carr's passion for media often met with humor and irreverence in his columns. He consistently inspired fellow journalists through years of industry decline.
David Carr stood out because at a time when the news industry is struggling for its soul, he exemplified both soul and integrity. RIP
So devastating. Will miss @carr2n ... Can't fathom. He was the very best in this business. Huge empty hole on so many levels.
David Carr was one of the very few journalists I've met in recent years who didn't think he had the story before he began it.
When I was getting people coffee at NYT, David Carr treated me like I had a Pulitzer. In person and in the paper, he was a great.
David Carr, you were my conscience/ barometer for so many news events.No!
When David Carr took over the Washington City Paper in the mid 1990s he hired me and @tanehisicoates, as interns. His first year. @carr2n
He was also one of the major faces of the documentary Page One: Inside the New York Times. Here, he pulled no punches while talking to representatives of Vice.
View this video on YouTube
Carr left a mark outside of journalism circles as well, earning tributes from musicians and celebrities.
David Carr's book, "The Night of the Gun," inspired my last record. So grateful to have known the brilliant and kind news man.
Tonight I will play for David Carr. Some of the most exciting/inspiring talks & dinners I have ever had were with him. I am heartbroken.
David Carr was a great writer. So sad to hear this. Literally just read his last piece. See the doc "Page One" to get sense of who he was.
“@thedailybeast: “I’m not what you would call the classic Timesman.” http://t.co/SfYxzV26ob ” No. Just the BEST one.
I never met David Carr. Don't know what to say. I'm so sad. Sorry for all the RTs. But someone crucial & necessary is gone.
