Renowned media critic Eric Boehlert passed away at the age of 57 (Image via Sandra Hutchins Dixon/Facebook and John Nichols/Twitter)Renowned media critic Eric Boehlert passed away at the age of 57 after suffering a fatal bike accident earlier this week. The news of his tragic demise was announced by his fellow journalist and family friend, Soledad O'Brien, on Twitter:“Just got crushing news from Tracy Breslin, @Eric Boehlert has died in a bike accident, age 57. Adored his kids Jane and Ben, his dogs, biking and running and basketball and good friends, a fierce and fearless defender of the truth.”Soledad O'Brien@soledadobrien2/Eric was an amazing friend. He fought to rescue journalism and democracy, which need saving. Worked at Rolling Stone, Billboard, founded Media Matters and Salon, Pressrun on Substack. Brutal to bad media on twitter, sweetest guy in real life11:18 AM · Apr 6, 20221008212852/Eric was an amazing friend. He fought to rescue journalism and democracy, which need saving. Worked at Rolling Stone, Billboard, founded Media Matters and Salon, Pressrun on Substack. Brutal to bad media on twitter, sweetest guy in real lifeMedia Matters for America also issued an official statement to confirm Boehlert’s death. The organization mentioned that they were “heartbroken” over the passing of a “beloved friend and former colleague”:Media Matters@mmfaRIP to our friend @EricBoehlert12:26 PM · Apr 7, 202269141540RIP to our friend @EricBoehlert https://t.co/hdVYeithIGFormer United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also took to social media to mourn the loss of Boehlert:Hillary Clinton@HillaryClinton.@EricBoehlert’s death is terrible news. I’m devastated for his family and friends and will miss his critical work to counteract misinformation and media bias. What a loss.12:27 PM · Apr 7, 2022264625086.@EricBoehlert’s death is terrible news. I’m devastated for his family and friends and will miss his critical work to counteract misinformation and media bias. What a loss.Boehlert was reportedly riding a bicycle near his home in Montclair, New Jersey, when he was fatally struck by a commuter train. He is survived by his wife and their two children.A look back into the life of Eric BoehlertEric Boehlert was an American media critic and writer. He was born on December 6, 1965, in New York and initially lived with his family in Indiana before moving to Connecticut. Boehlert graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a bachelor's degree in Middle Eastern Studies.The media personality worked as a staff writer on Billboard and served as the contributing editor for Rolling Stone. He also became the founding editor of news and opinion website Salon. Boehlert joined Media Matters for America in 2006 and remained associated with the organization for over 10 years. He also held the role of media critic in the Daily Kos.The critic established his own newsletter called Press Run in 2020 and described it as "an unfiltered, passionate, and proudly progressive critique of the political press in the age of Trump.” Boehlert also authored two books called Lapdogs: How The Press Rolled Over For Bush and Bloggers on the Bus: How The Internet Changed Politics and the Press.In 2002, Boehlert won the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers' Deems Taylor Award for music journalism for his work on a series of articles about the radio industry. The same series was also shortlisted for the Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism.Twitter mourns the loss of Eric BoehlertTwitter poured in heartfelt tributes for Eric Boehlert following his tragic demise (Image via Vincent Enoc/Twitter)Eric Boehlert was one of the most popular media critics in America, who garnered a significant following with his unfiltered commentary and passion for exposing misinformation.Following the news of his demise, his wife, Tracy Breslin, described him as “a fierce defender of truth but also the nicest guy in real life.” Several people also took to Twitter to mourn the loss of the critic:John Nichols@NicholsUprisingEric Boehlert, a savvy commentator on the failures of corporate media, and a bold critic of right-wing bias in broadcasting, has died at age 57. A skilled reporter and a fierce analyst, @EricBoehlert shaped our understanding of how dishonest media creates dysfunctional politics.12:00 PM · Apr 7, 202270921486Eric Boehlert, a savvy commentator on the failures of corporate media, and a bold critic of right-wing bias in broadcasting, has died at age 57. A skilled reporter and a fierce analyst, @EricBoehlert shaped our understanding of how dishonest media creates dysfunctional politics. https://t.co/OcQUki29QKAaron Rupar@atruparstunned by the news @EricBoehlert has passed away. I was just reading him yesterday and cited something he wrote in my newsletter. we can never take tomorrow for granted. my thoughts are with his family and friends.11:25 AM · Apr 6, 2022154112015stunned by the news @EricBoehlert has passed away. I was just reading him yesterday and cited something he wrote in my newsletter. we can never take tomorrow for granted. my thoughts are with his family and friends.Bob Cesca@bobcesca_goOh my god, I'm in total shock about Eric Boehlert.11:41 AM · Apr 6, 202211089670Oh my god, I'm in total shock about Eric Boehlert.Neera Tanden🌻@neeratandenI am simply devastated by the news of Eric Boehlert’s death. He’s been such a strong voice for our democracy. Such a terrible loss of a good and decent man.11:38 AM · Apr 6, 202296471317I am simply devastated by the news of Eric Boehlert’s death. He’s been such a strong voice for our democracy. Such a terrible loss of a good and decent man.Jon Stewart@jonstewartRest In Peace Eric Boehlert. Greatly admired his passion and tenacity.12:04 PM · Apr 7, 2022105881239Rest In Peace Eric Boehlert. Greatly admired his passion and tenacity.(((DeanObeidallah)))@DeanObeidallahVery, very sad to hear of the passing of Eric Boehlert. He was a courageous journalist who passionately called out the corporate media's bias. He made me smarter and I always appreciated it when he appeared on my radio show. I will truly miss him.11:55 AM · Apr 6, 20223068458Very, very sad to hear of the passing of Eric Boehlert. He was a courageous journalist who passionately called out the corporate media's bias. He made me smarter and I always appreciated it when he appeared on my radio show. I will truly miss him.Molly Jong-Fast@MollyJongFastI’m just devastated at the loss of the super talented @EricBoehlert12:52 PM · Apr 7, 202210372739I’m just devastated at the loss of the super talented @EricBoehlertRoom Rater@ratemyskyperoomRoom Rater In Memoriam. Tragic news. Eric Boehlert has died. He was 57.12:32 PM · Apr 7, 20227588760Room Rater In Memoriam. Tragic news. Eric Boehlert has died. He was 57. https://t.co/tRH0lZMMf3Dan Froomkin/PressWatchers.org ☮️@froomkinAbsolutely crushed to learn that Eric Boehlert has died. His work had never been more essential. I grieve.12:16 PM · Apr 7, 20225381550Absolutely crushed to learn that Eric Boehlert has died. His work had never been more essential. I grieve.Matt Murphy@MattMurph24RIP Eric Boehlert. His voice will be truly missed.11:38 AM · Apr 6, 20223558340RIP Eric Boehlert. His voice will be truly missed.Adam Parkhomenko@AdamParkhomenkoI am so sad to hear of the passing of my good buddy Eric Boehlert. Life is short. Enjoy and cherish your friends and loved ones. This guy did so much good - every single day - and was far from finished in his journey. We will take it from here, my friend.6:01 AM · Apr 7, 20224201458I am so sad to hear of the passing of my good buddy Eric Boehlert. Life is short. Enjoy and cherish your friends and loved ones. This guy did so much good - every single day - and was far from finished in his journey. We will take it from here, my friend.Dan "I Stand With Ukraine" P.@ddanpereiraIts just such horrible news & I am in shock about the sudden death of Eric Boehlert from a bike accident. He ran PressRun & was an excellent journalist who focused on the Media. This is a huge loss for America & the Left. My condolences to his wife family & friends. RIP Eric12:55 PM · Apr 7, 2022510101Its just such horrible news & I am in shock about the sudden death of Eric Boehlert from a bike accident. He ran PressRun & was an excellent journalist who focused on the Media. This is a huge loss for America & the Left. My condolences to his wife family & friends. RIP Eric😢🙏 https://t.co/qeSkXrDsDGCharles Campisi@1813DoncarloThe death of Eric Boehlert is a heartbreaking tragedy for his family & a devastating loss to the journalistic community.Boehlert was an articulate, knowledgeable critic on news coverage of political issues whose commentary was always thoughtful, honest & insightful.Very sad.12:30 PM · Apr 7, 202260392The death of Eric Boehlert is a heartbreaking tragedy for his family & a devastating loss to the journalistic community.Boehlert was an articulate, knowledgeable critic on news coverage of political issues whose commentary was always thoughtful, honest & insightful.Very sad.Grant Stern is boosted!@grantsternLosing Eric Boehlert to a tragic accident at age 57 is a loss for our entire country.I'm stunned.12:14 PM · Apr 7, 20223247377Losing Eric Boehlert to a tragic accident at age 57 is a loss for our entire country.I'm stunned.Fernand R. Amandi 🇺🇦@AmandiOnAirShocking, gut wrenching news on the tragic passing of Eric Boehlert.Eric was a fearless, passionate defender of our democracy + truth teller in a time where telling the truth has consequences. Was honored to know him + share many a panel with him.Condolences to his family. 12:38 PM · Apr 7, 20221914316Shocking, gut wrenching news on the tragic passing of Eric Boehlert.Eric was a fearless, passionate defender of our democracy + truth teller in a time where telling the truth has consequences. Was honored to know him + share many a panel with him.Condolences to his family. 😞 https://t.co/r7qEtV88TWAs tributes continue to pour in online, it is certain that Boehlert will be missed by his family, friends, followers, colleagues, and well-wishers. However, he will always be remembered for his work and contributions to the media.Boehlert leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Tracy, their children Ben and Jane, and his siblings, Bart, Thom, and Cynthia.