We are deeply saddened by the death of YA author and New Yorker writer Ned Vizzini, at the age of 32. Vizzini lost his longtime struggle with depression and committed suicide on Friday, December 20, according to the AP.
"I was devastated to learn of Ned Vizzini’s death," said Alessandra Balzer, co-publisher of Balzer + Bray, who worked with Vizzini on his novels since his debut, Be More Chill, which he wrote when he was still in college. "He created characters who were outsiders trying to find their way, and he did it with such humor and empathy. Ned's books will be read and beloved for generations to come." Balzer said that at Vizzini's signings, streams of teens would approach him to say that he had changed their lives.