Wednesday has turned into a day of mourning for media after the reported deaths of Academy Award nominated director Tim Hetherington and photojournalist Chris Hondros were both killed in an attack by the Libyan government in the city of Misrata. The two were killed after being hit by mortar fire during fighting between Muammar Gaddafi's forces and Libyan rebels. Two other photographers, Guy Martin and Chris Brown, were also injured. Hetherington was a contributing photographer for Vanity Fair, and co-directed the Afghan war film “Restrepo” with author Sebastian Junger. The last tweet on his Twitter account reads, “In besieged Libyan city of Misrata. Indiscriminate shelling by Qaddafi forces. No sign of NATO.” Hondros' work appeared in many major news outlets, including the front pages of many papers on the day he died. He was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 2004. There were initially conflicting accounts of his death. Liohn wrote on his wall soon after reporting Hetherington's death, “Chris Hondros died now.” Liohn later told the New York Times that Hondros had slipped into a coma, having suffered a serious brain injury. It was actually not until later in the day that Hondros succumbed to the wounds. Jay Carney, the White House Press Secretary, also issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon: We were saddened to learn of the death of film director and photographer Tim Hetherington while working in Misrata, and we are deeply concerned about the well being of other journalists who were wounded alongside him. Journalists across the globe risk their lives each day to keep us informed, demand accountability from world leaders, and give a voice to those who would not otherwise be heard. The Libyan government and all governments across the world must take steps to protect journalists doing this vital work. The United States will work to do everything possible to assist those who were injured in getting the care they need. Our thoughts are with these brave journalists and their loved ones. They are the most recent media casualties in the ongoing violence that continues as the embattled Libyan government attacks rebels in the country. BM
