Boehlert, 57, was a veteran writer and media analyst and a frequent television and radio guest on CNN and CNBC discussing politics and the press. He was the founding editor of Salon magazine, a fellow at Media Matters, and a former writer for Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines. He wrote two books, "Lapdogs: How the Press Rolled Over for Bushes," and "Bloggers on the Bus."
Journalist Soledad O'Brien tweeted, "Just now Tracy Breslin, wife of @EricBoehlert @pressrun.media, has died in a bike accident at the age of 57. Their kids Jen and Ben, their dogs, biking And loves running and basketball and is a good friend, a fierce and fearless defender of truth."
Hillary Clinton tweeted, "I am devastated for his family and friends and will miss his important work."
A release Tuesday from NJ Transit reported that a train on the Montclair Boonton Line struck an adult male on a bicycle Monday evening from Wachung Avenue station "between the 8:59 departure from Hoboken and its scheduled arrival at Hackettstown" and killed. 11:07 pm
The agency did not comment further as the incident is being investigated.
Breslin and Boehlert, married for 29 years, have two grown children and have long been residents of Montclair. Breslin said the 6-foot-4 Boehlert was a familiar figure around town on his daily runs, and he loved biking through town in the evenings. Though she did not know the circumstances of the accident, she said that her bike had lights on and she was wearing reflective gear.
Her husband "loved living in Montclair; it was his place," she said. He was a member of the Commonwealth Club and loved going to Tierney's Tavern and playing in the Town Basketball and Softball League. "He was a fierce defender of the truth, and at the same time a very sweet boy," she said.
Rest In Peace Eric Boehlert. Greatly admired his passion and tenacity.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) April 6, 2022
In front of their Montclair Avenue home, a large stuffed bear sits on a swing, something Breslin said her husband put out on occasion for neighborhood children, until it became a fixture during the pandemic.
"He just loved kids and loved making them happy," she said.