Vale David Carr. Father, writer, columnist, journalist for the New York Times and Lack Professor of Media Studies at Boston University.

Carr, a frank and astute reporter was highly respected by his peers for his passion, integrity and generosity. He was an early adopter of social media, an advocate of its place in journalism and an insightful media commentator. His 2008 memoir, The Night of the Gun, provides a raw and much lauded account of his battle with cocaine addiction.

In the documentary, Page One, Inside the New York TImes, Carr found prominance in his interview of Shane Smith, CEO of VICE. Smith, maligns the Times when self promoting his report on Liberia. Carr, counter to journalistic norms, interjects. “Just a sec, time out – before you ever went there we’ve had reporters there reporting on genocide, just cos you put on a fucking safari helmet and talk about poop doesn’t give you the right to insult what we do.” David Carr.

It is easy to see why Carr’s legacy is that of a much-loved and revered journalist and media critic.

“David Carr was one of the most gifted journalists who has ever worked at The New York Times. He combined formidable talent as a reporter with acute judgment to become an indispensable guide to modern media. But his friends at The Times and beyond will remember him as a unique human being — full of life and energy, funny, loyal and lovable. An irreplaceable talent, he will be missed by everyone who works for The Times and everyone who reads it.”

Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr., publisher and chairman, The New York Times. David Carr, Times Critic and Champion of Media, Dies at 58