The loss of any life is a tragic occurrence, as many people both known and unknown will be affected. Whether you are an average Joe who touched the lives of those in your community, or you are a world renowned writer, people are going to be affected by you; and this was the case for 33 year old Michael Hastings. He was an award winning journalist who was known for his talent, hardworking ethic and for being a reported that focused on addressing topics that actually mattered to the world. People that he has worked alongside over the years are mourning the loss of this "unfailingly bright and hard-charging reporter" who dedicated his life to discovering stories to share with the world.

According to Ben Smith the editor-in-chief with BuzzFeed, his most recent place of employment, Hastings was a journalist who held no fear, and his instincts to discover a story were nothing short of a gift given to him. Smith shares that Hastings wrote with such passion and care that any reader couldn't help but becoming attached and deeply caring for whatever they saw on the pages he penned whether it be about politics or wars and anything in between. In 2010 Hastings received the George Polk Award for magazine reporting and the article that was published in the Rolling Stone as their cover story entitled "The Runaway General." This story contained blunt criticisms regarding the Obama administration and was in a sense given the credit for ending the career of Gen. Stanley McChrystal's because of what was written.

The story discussed the mocking made by the general regarding the Obama administration, war policies, and other issues involving the current Vice President Joe Biden as well. While writing for BUzzFeed, Hastings was also a contributing editor for the Rolling Stone and was known of the added electricity he bright to the magazine, one that was seen on every page he wrote after reporter a real life story. Managing Editor Will Dana claims that he is sad that because of Hastings death, he will never have the opportunity to publish the future stories he was going to write. Other well-known stories that Hastings wrote included the 2010 story entitled "I Lost My Love in Baghdad" which described the tragic tale of the loss of a girlfriend in the war for a young war correspondent. He also published a book last year which described the shocking details of the wars and military exploits overseas in Afghanistan.

Sadly this young man, with so much potential for the years of writing ahead of him, lost his life in a devastating car accident this past Tuesday in Los Angeles at the Hancock Park neighborhood. Reports share that witnesses in the neighborhood hear a loud crash at 4:15 in the morning on Tuesday when Hastings collided with a tree on the side of the road. One witness shares that he saw a car driving really fast and then it jackknifed, or folded, around the tree when it hit. As a result of the collision the car quickly burst into flames causing a large explosion. A neighbor brought out his water hose from the front yard in attempts to put out the flames, though little could be done. Apparently at the collision the engine ejected nearly 60 feet away from the scene.

At this time there is no information regarding the cause of the accident, though there could be a number of possibilities such as a defective auto part, drunk or reckless driving, distracted driving, etc. In the event your loved one has been involved in a car accident caused by another person, contact a trusted car accident lawyer in your area.