Andrew Breitbart Passes Away at Age 43

Conservative journalist and activist Andrew Breitbart passed away overnight. According to Politico:

“Andrew passed away unexpectedly from natural causes shortly after midnight this morning in Los Angeles,” writes Big Journalism writer Larry Solov. “We have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a dear friend, a patriot and a happy warrior.”

Another tribute from a Breitbart's website, Breitbart.tv:

Andrew passed away unexpectedly from natural causes shortly after midnight this morning in Los Angeles.

We have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a dear friend, a patriot and a happy warrior.

Andrew lived boldly, so that we more timid souls would dare to live freely and fully, and fight for the fragile liberty he showed us how to love.

Andrew recently wrote a new conclusion to his book, Righteous Indignation:

I love my job. I love fighting for what I believe in. I love having fun while doing it. I love reporting stories that the Complex refuses to report. I love fighting back, I love finding allies, and—famously—I enjoy making enemies.

Three years ago, I was mostly a behind-the-scenes guy who linked to stuff on a very popular website. I always wondered what it would be like to enter the public realm to fight for what I believe in. I’ve lost friends, perhaps dozens. But I’ve gained hundreds, thousands—who knows?—of allies. At the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror, and I sleep very well at night.

Andrew is at rest, yet the happy warrior lives on, in each of us.

**UPDATE** Governor Rick Perry has released this statement today:

“Andrew Breitbart was an outspoken pioneer for conservative media who fought for what he believed in, exposing government corruption and media bias. His spirited voice will be missed, but not forgotten. Anita and I extend our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and colleagues across the country.”

Andrew Breibart was just 43 years old.