Gabe Hudson, the acclaimed author of the short story collection Dear Mr. President and the novel Gork, the Teenage Dragon, died by committing suicide on November 25, 2023, at the age of 49. His death shocked the literary world and left behind a legacy of humor, satire, and compassion.
Who was Gabe Hudson?
Gabe Hudson was born in 1974 in Austin, Texas, and grew up in a military family. He attended Stanford University, where he studied creative writing and was mentored by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Wallace Stegner. He also served as a medic in the Gulf War, which inspired some of his stories in Dear Mr. President, a darkly comic and surreal collection that skewered the Bush administration and the Iraq War. The book was a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award and the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction, and was named one of the best books of 2002 by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post.
May Gabe Hudson remain in our letters and words and stories. May his writing exist in the rooms of our minds, and amid the stacks and shelves of our lives. pic.twitter.com/lEj334cWFx
— Alina Stefanescu (@aliner) November 25, 2023
Hudson’s second book, Gork, the Teenage Dragon, was a departure from his previous work, a whimsical and witty fantasy novel about a young dragon who has to find a mate and save his planet. The book was praised by critics and readers alike for its originality, humor, and heart. Hudson said he wrote the book for his son, who was born with a rare genetic disorder that affected his development. Hudson dedicated his life to caring for his son and raising awareness and funds for his condition.
Gabe was also a generous and kind person, who supported other writers and causes he believed in. He taught creative writing at Princeton University, New York University, and the University of Florida, where he was a professor at the time of his death. He also donated his time and money to various charities, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He was known for his humility, humor, and warmth, and was loved by his family, friends, colleagues, and students.
A Tragic Loss and a Mystery
Hudson’s death came as a shock to everyone who knew him, as he did not show any signs of depression or suicidal thoughts. He was found dead in his home in Gainesville, Florida, by his wife, who called 911. The police ruled his death as a suicide by a gunshot wound to the head but did not reveal any details about the motive or the circumstances. Hudson did not leave a note or a message, leaving his loved ones and fans wondering why he took his own life.
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His family and friends issued a statement expressing their grief and asking for privacy. They also thanked the public for their condolences and support and urged anyone who is struggling with mental health issues to seek help. They said they would remember Hudson as a brilliant writer, a devoted father, a loving husband, and a kind soul.
Gabe Hudson’s death is a tragic loss for the literary world and for everyone who knew him. He was a talented and original author, who created memorable and meaningful stories that touched many lives. He was also a compassionate and generous human being, who gave so much to others and made the world a better place. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
