Michael Hastings

Michael Hastings

Michael Hastings Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 19, 2013.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Hastings, the war correspondent whose unflinching reporting from Afghanistan led to the resignation of a top U.S. army general, has died in a car accident in Los Angeles, according to his employer and family.

Hastings, who was 33, was described by many of his colleagues as an unfailingly bright and hard-charging reporter who wrote stories that mattered. Most recently, he wrote about politics for the news website BuzzFeed, where the top editor said colleagues were devastated by the loss.

"Michael was a great, fearless journalist with an incredible instinct for the story, and a gift for finding ways to make his readers care about anything he covered from wars to politicians," said Ben Smith, BuzzFeed's editor-in-chief.

Smith said he learned of the death from a family member.

Authorities said there was a car crash early Tuesday in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles that killed a man, but coroner's officials could not confirm whether Hastings was the victim.

Hastings won a 2010 George Polk Award for magazine reporting for his Rolling Stone cover story "The Runaway General."

His story was credited with ending Gen. Stanley McChrystal's career after it revealed the military's candid criticisms of the Obama administration.

Hastings quoted McChrystal and his aides mocking Obama administration officials, including Vice President Joe Biden, over their war policies.

At a Pentagon ceremony for his subsequent retirement in 2010, McChrystal made light of the episode in his farewell address. The four-star general warned his comrades in arms, "I have stories on all of you, photos of many, and I know a Rolling Stone reporter."

When he died, Hastings was a contributing editor at Rolling Stone, where Managing Editor Will Dana was quoted Tuesday saying Hastings exuded "a certain kind of electricity" that exists in great reporters whose stories burn to be told.

"I'm sad that I'll never get to publish all the great stories that he was going to write, and sad that he won't be stopping by my office for any more short visits which would stretch for two or three completely engrossing hours," Dana said.

Hastings was also an author of books about the wars. "The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan" was published late last year and details shocking exploits of the military overseas.

In 2010, with the publication of "I Lost My Love in Baghdad," Hastings told the story of being a young war correspondent whose girlfriend died in Iraq.

"Michael Hastings' death cuts short a life dedicated to speaking truth to power. He believed that journalists must be more than bystanders; he was a truthteller, a charming provocateur and a relentless seeker of decency in a nasty world," said David Rosenthal, president of The Blue Rider Press, which published "The Operators."

In the summer 2013 issue of Vermont Life magazine, Hastings was quoted telling an audience at the Burlington Book Festival that he doesn't believe in objectivity in journalism.

"What I try to do is be intellectually honest in my writing," he said.

Hastings' family moved to Vermont when he was 16, a state he told the magazine was his "spiritual home." According to the magazine, he lived in New York with his wife.


SHAYA TAYEFE MOHAJER,Associated Press


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Michael Hastings's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 29, 2014

Gwen Ahrent posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 22, 2013

Sharon (Lyons) Bogdan posted to the memorial.

71 Entries

Gwen Ahrent

July 29, 2014

Rest in Peace, I read your memorial plaque at Plattsburgh Ny's CVPH and was drawn to it... So sorry your gone but rest now friend and God Bless your Brave endeavors while on this earth... Like to meet you in Heaven one day... Your a hero friend

March 30, 2014

Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your dear love one. “And no resident will say: I am sick…” Isa 33. In this time of a loss of someone special in our lives be comforted to know God cares and will help us endure through his love with comfort and peace. We miss this talented person whom many no doubt respected and admired.

Sharon (Lyons) Bogdan

August 22, 2013

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael. My family grew up in North Bangor,NY along with Dr. Brent's family. He and Dr. Molly are to be commended as parents, that they instilled the importance of seeking truth. This seems to be ever so evident in Michael's character. May his legacy live on.
Sharon (Lyons) & Bob Bogdan

Travis Royer

July 21, 2013

Jeff and the Hastings family -
My deepest thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Travis Royer

Kristy

July 19, 2013

I didn't even know Michael, but I feel quite impacted by his work and his untimely death. He was a man of courage. I am so sorry for your loss; the Hastings family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Juliette

July 3, 2013

Heartfelt condolences to all who loved Michael -- From a reader who came late to Michael's work and is profoundly saddened thinking of all the stories he had left to write and all the truths left to tell...

D

July 1, 2013

May the Hastings Family always cherish the fond memories of Michael. May he rest in peace.

June 24, 2013

I only knew one dimension of Michael and that was through his writing, yet I felt and still feel a profound sense of loss. I wish him, his family and friends peace and love.

Kimberley Demers

India

June 24, 2013

I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort strengthen you and give you a hope for the future during this sad time. 2Cor. 3:1, Romans 15:4. I offer my condolences at this difficult time.

Bernadette St. John

June 24, 2013

Elise and family,

My condolences to all of you. May sweet memories of Michael console you at this time.

I very much admired Michael's writing and work. You are all in my prayers. Blessings.

Louise A

June 23, 2013

Michael was a crusader for truth and justice - may his work stand as a model for others to take up the cause for integrity and courage in journalism. May his bright light and passion be a comfort to your family - and may Michael's brave soul find its rightful rest.

Jim and Vilma Cary

June 23, 2013

Elise, our condolences. Michael was a bright young man, author and journalist. I enjoyed our conversations very much.

Aminah Majied

June 23, 2013

Even though I never met Michael, I admired his courage. May God comfort you during your time of loss. Michael's light will shine forever.

Mally

June 23, 2013

I admired Michael's writing very much. I am thinking of you all and am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

Mally

June 23, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I admired Michael's work very much and he will be missed. I am thinking of you all.

theodora beltson

June 23, 2013

May the memory of Michael Hasting's search for truth and his unwavering path to bear witness to man's inhumanity help to comfort you. I only knew Michael through his Rolling Stone essays; yet, I, too, feel his loss. Jesus said, St. Matthew 5: Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."

betsy rowan

June 23, 2013

My prayers are with the family

Mary Valente

June 23, 2013

I did not know Michael but read and respected his work. I am so very sorry for the loss of this talented and bright young man who set such a high bar in the journalistic world.

June 23, 2013

Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in Tev 21:3,4

Eleanor

June 23, 2013

Michael's untimely death is a loss not only to his loved ones, but to all Americans who stood to benefit from his journalism. Peace and blessings to all his family and friends.

Yuki Yamamoto

June 22, 2013

Dear Brent, Molly, Family and Friends

With great sorrow, my deepest condolences go out to Michael's family and close friends.

Michael was taken maybe too soon, but I believe his 33 years was not just short. He had lived 33 years of very rich, thick, and meaningful life. Many people were touched by his work and his presence. I know he will continue to live on through his work and legacy. I wish I could be a part of the prayer service to celebrate his wonderful life today.

May his soul rest in peace and May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.

Love, Yuki Yamamoto

Robin Burgess

June 22, 2013

Dr. Hastings I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you were very proud of Michael and the work he did. He was a very special young man and will live on through his work. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

June 22, 2013

please know that your pain is felt.Jesus has said,"most truly he that believes has everlasting life.I am the bread of life."john 6:47,48....

Diane Greenblatt

June 21, 2013

I did not know Michael I followed him & honored his work as he stood in his truth Many want to live in illusion yet he brought out things that others did not see I feel his work & mission was this to have us see I have a son who is 34 & I love Vermont so both of those things also helped me honor Michael I stand in my turth working in the government & private practice as an addictions speciailist & healer , a career that became a life mission without my plan but G'ds my life purpose as we live within our passion & life purpose our blueprint of our true soul & lives then others will be fearful as many want to live within illusion Michael was living within his passion & his life purpose I honor him today & honor his work & his truth I share in your loss for your loss is everyones loss a great mind a great young man with a old soul that brought turth & pasison to his work his life purpose May G'd bless his lovely wife , parents & dear family & friends I will keep all of you in my prayers Sincerley Diane Collett Greenblatt

DianeD

June 21, 2013

With great sadness & sorrow & such a tragic death & loss for his dear wife & loving family & friends , my heart hurts for all of you . I did not know Michael at all nor any of you personally yet followed Michael at different times . He caught my attention of many occassions with the books he wrote & his ability to stand in his truth. I beleive that his work will not disappear as he was someone that just was doing his work in passion & as we do this then & only then will information & situations occur that will lead us to be in the public eye to make a difference & I feel his work will continue to do this . I have a son that is 34 & I love Vermont & I love to be in my truth I worked in the government & my life mission unfolded for me years ago without my plan or any idea what I would be doing , in fact I had another plan , yet the Blueprint of my life ..my life life purpose ..was a surprise to me ..working in the addiction field as a specialist & working within the courts , judical system , is the last thing I had on my mind but when we are doing G'ds work , our life path & purpose then , we are within our passion & many find the truth dififcult & many want to remain in the illusion of life , for sure Michael Hastings did not want to remain in the illusion yet he truly , I felt was just doing his passion from his heart & his soul purpose , to make us , all of us as we are one , think , I will pray for all of your dear souls to be able to handle the pain and loss without such a dynamic loving man ,son , husband and friend , family member, loved one , & I will pray that within our hearts & souls , tat he knows many care , many who never met him , such as me , I am sending you all light & love surrounding you in this healing energy , to keep you safe & protected & well thru this journey , with much love , Diane Collett Greenblatt

Linda Matteson Kennedy

June 21, 2013

I have follwed the career of this talented young man and mourn the loss for all of us. Surely he made a great impact in his brief life. Brent, Molly and family my sincerest condolences.

June 21, 2013

Dear Molly and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Michael. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Marcie, Aaron, Addison, Reubie and Annie

Paula Proctor

June 21, 2013

When I listened to him on TV, I felt like I had a trustworthy friend. He was like a rock star reporter who's peers included young adults who could trust him. I trusted him more than the Pentagon for sure.

Guy Montag

June 21, 2013

My deepest condolences. I exchanged emails with Michael this past year when he thanked me for sending my Feral Firefighter blog e-books to him. I now regret I never called him to discuss our books. He was a real journalist, a man of integrity, whose reporting will be missed.

S. Ayers

June 20, 2013

Such a great man!!!!!

michelle plakas-kaiser

June 20, 2013

rip

Sarah Chamberlain

June 20, 2013

What a positive contribution Michael made in his way too short life. I am so very sorry, Molly and Brent, for your huge loss. May the legacy of his journalism and his book give you some comfort in the difficult time ahead.

June 20, 2013

I Thessalonians 5:11 will offer some comfort during this difficult time.

Monica Evans

June 19, 2013

Thank You! For being a good, thoughtful, vigilant National NextGen World Citizen. This Boomer will always remember your refreshing common sense intellect & sincere presentation. You left us too soon. May many blessings of peace & condolences to your Family & Friends.
Sincerely, The Boughs, Martin, Monica, Bonin & Quavin

June 19, 2013

MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT CONSOLE MICHAEL'S FAMILY.

jean coulson

June 19, 2013

May it make you sorrow a bit easier to know others are praying for you, his family.Tom and Jean

June 19, 2013

RIP

Sharon Conova

June 19, 2013

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam and for a brief moment it's glory and beauty belong to our world. But t hen it flies on again -- and t Hugh we wish it could have stayed, we feel soooo lucky to have seen it........we will miss your commitment to seeking out the truth Michael.

Audrey

June 19, 2013

To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort as I did in the words of the Psalms, 37:10,11,29. Sincerely, Audrey

Mary Ann Meredith

June 19, 2013

America is going to miss you very much Michael. You lived a great life and shared it with our nation. May you RIP.............

Kathy Keleher

June 19, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Michael's death - much too young. He was a very strong and commited person. We are all better for having known him.

mr.and Mrs willie and Maria Louisa Garcia

June 19, 2013

our condolences to the family of Michael Hastings.May he rest in peace.

June 19, 2013

It can be so hard to face the first few days without your loved one, but may the love and comfort of family and friends carry you through this most difficult time. 1Thessalonians 5:14

June 19, 2013

Made his mark in a short 33 years, he joins some of the greats of his profession, sad to know he won't be here among us, deepest sympathies to his family. Walpole, MA

June 19, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in Gods word the Bible in the God of all comfort. Ps 83:18.

June 19, 2013

My sympathies to the family and friends of Michael. May you find strength from each other to cope with the loss, and may you keep close to your heart God's promise at John5:28.

Lakesha Satterwhi te

June 19, 2013

I will pray that god will strength the family in the time of your lost, keep your head up because he is in a better place all his stress and worries are now over. Michael will aleays look down on you all and protect you. Aman

Susan Smith

June 19, 2013

Gone too soon...

June 19, 2013

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY.A LIFE TAKEN TO SOON. JM FLORIDA

June 19, 2013

A life taken far to soon. Rest in peace, Michael. Take comfort in knowing you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Condolences to the family. Baltimore, MD

crickett melvin

June 19, 2013

For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son but in Michaels case he left memories not to be forgotten in our every day life he will not be forgotten.

Tami B

June 19, 2013

My condolences to his family and coworkers. In the world we live in, we can ill afford to lose reporters with grit and conviction as this young man was. May another take the reigns in his honor, and I will always appreciate his reports.

Annie Jones

June 19, 2013

My deepest sympathy for the family and friends of this young man. A life cut way too short. May God comfort you all.

Tom Smith

June 19, 2013

Sorry to hear about the death of Michael Hastings. Family and friends can look forward to seeing him again and living under the rule of the Prince of Peace forever.

Michael Conley

June 19, 2013

Michael was the best journalist around. May his family find peace in this loss. Michael will be missed but not forgotten. His inspiration will continue for many years to come. I will miss not reading his work.

Cynthia

June 19, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Robin Clemons

June 19, 2013

A great loss that will be felt all over the world. With deepest sympathy to Michael's family and close friends. Prayers are with you during this time.

Professor Milburn Cleaver, OPA

June 19, 2013

Although I did not always agree with Mr. Hastings' opinions, I found him to be a refreshing un-biased journalist. We need more like him. May he rest in peace.

June 19, 2013

Condolences to this young mans family!

SUSIE

June 19, 2013

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU

Ann

June 19, 2013

It is a terrible thing to lose one so young and with so much vitality for life and truth. May he rest in eternal peace. Condolences to his family.

Tracey Genovese

June 19, 2013

I never read any of Michael's articles but did see him on TV quite often & always enjoyed hearing what he had to say. His way of telling a story was always verys intriguing. I will miss seeing him on TV & telling his stories.

M. Davis

June 19, 2013

With having so few "Reporters" to give us honest in-your-face news, you will be missed. Deepest sympathy to your wife, parents, and friends.

June 19, 2013

My condolences to the family and friends of Michael Hastings. May you find comfort from the peace of God at this time of distress-Phillipians 4:6, 7. E.D; Park Forest, IL.

Dwayne Bickham

June 19, 2013

in God's care rest in peace

Showing 1 - 71 of 71 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Hastings's name

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Hastings's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Michael Hastings's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 29, 2014

Gwen Ahrent posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 22, 2013

Sharon (Lyons) Bogdan posted to the memorial.