Washington Post Ombudsman Deborah Howell Dies

Deborah Howell, who was one of the first women in America to head up a major news organization with her work at the St. Paul Pioneer Press in Minnesota, died Friday evening in a car crash in New Zealand where she was vacationing. She was 68.

Though this unfortunate accident happened while we were on vacation, we’d like to point you in the direction of the myriad of writers who shared their personal memories of Howell — who also worked as a reporter and editor at The Minnesota Star and most recently served as ombudsman for The Washington Post — this weekend, from former Star editor Tim McGuire‘s remembrance to Jeff Jarvis‘ memorial blog titled “The Death of Curious Mind” on BuzzMachine.com and The New York Times‘ David Carr‘s memories of Howell as “the editor everyone should have had.”

Through these memorials — and many others made by colleagues and friends over the past few days — Deborah Howell will be remembered as both a pioneer for women in the field, as well as a great coworker, boss, journalist, editor and friend.

Read More: The death of a curious mind –BuzzMachine

Deborah Howell, prominent editor, killed in car accident –Star Tribune

My tortured journey to becoming Deborah Howell’s friend –Tim McGuire

The Editor Everyone Should Have Had –New York Times

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