The Observer Mourns the Loss of its News Editor

The Observer is devastated to announce the death of Casey Feldman, our esteemed news editor, from injuries she sustained when she was hit by a car on July 17. We lost more than an incredible reporter; we lost a friend. Often in the newsroom until the early morning hours before sending the Observer to print, she would work to perfect her in-depth coverage of frequently difficult topics. Even while dealing with the most serious issues, she possessed the rare talent of making a group of tired and grumpy editors laugh while still remaining focused on the task at hand. We will miss Casey more than words can express. Our thoughts and prayers are with Casey and the rest of the Feldman family.

Please post your favorite memory of Casey, whether it is a funny moment or a touching story. See below for a list of related articles to read some of the work that Casey has done during her time at the Observer.

Fordham’s statement can be found here:

Please click here for a staff-written obituary.

A message from the Observer News Department:

When news hit about Casey Feldman's untimely and tragic death, it was a shocking, surreal, and deeply saddening moment for all. The reality that a young, energetic, beautiful and talented colleague and friend was gone in the blink of an eye was an overwhelming shock.

I worked closely with Casey, first as her writer, and then very briefly as one of her assistant editors. I still remember in vivid detail the first time Casey dissected and critiqued what I thought to be one of my finest articles. It was a gut wrenching moment, but one that I would not trade for anything in the world.

As my editor, Casey taught me invaluable lessons that books and lectures just could not convey. She meticulously went over every one of my articles, and articulately critiqued my work, teaching me tips and lessons that she knew, and rightfully so, I would benefit from. Casey was firm, but never condescending. She had faith in her writers' abilities, and did everything in her power to help everyone reach their highest potential. Casey saw talent under heaps of disorganization, and refused to rest until it was fully realized.

On behalf of the entire news team, I extend my deepest sympathies and sadness to everyone affected by this devastating loss. I can say from firsthand experience that the Observer has lost one of the finest talents it has ever known.

Moving forward, the news department recognizes the standards that Casey has set, and we will strive tirelessly to achieve them. Using everything Casey had taught us, the news section will continue to work hard to produce the finest news coverage possible for the Fordham community. Casey, without your guidance, direction, talent and inspiration, the news section would not be nearly as esteemed and distinguished as it is today. I assure you that your legacy of careful, focused, and fair news coverage will live on.

In Memory,

Anndrew J. Vacca On behalf of the Observer News team.

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Liz Bowen

Sun Jul 19 2009 20:12

I didn't even know Casey that well, but I've had a really hard time dealing with this. I doubt she even knew it, but Casey was such an inspiration to me; even while she was alive, I told people I thought she was the best student journalist I'd ever seen. I held her in such high regard that a compliment from her was the reason I applied to edit Opinions. She was a true embodiment of the heart and soul of the Observer and of journalism as a whole. Plus, she was always such a sweet, beaming ray of sunshine. My heart has been bleeding for her family and friends. This is really one of the greatest losses Fordham could possibly suffer.

fu parent

Sun Jul 19 2009 15:53

Horrible shock to Casey's family, friends and the school. As the parent of one of Casey's friends I see how it has personally effected my child to lose such a wonderful friend. There are no words to express my deepest sympathy to Casey's parents and family. She will be forever missed by those who loved her and by those who's lives she had touched

Brian Rose

Sun Jul 19 2009 13:16

Casey was such a wonderful student to have in class--she was alert, engaged, and spirited. And she truly believed that journalism could save the world. In my internship class this past semester, she was constantly amazed at the compromises that seemed second-nature at the free morning paper where she was working--and constantly strived to make her work, and the paper's, better and more meaningful.
I know Casey not only touched the lives of everyone she met at Fordham, but also inspired them.

Brian Rose
Dept. of Communication and Media Studies

fu alum

Sun Jul 19 2009 12:39

...terrible news, what a tragedy :(

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