A member of Hot Air’s team of journalists — a publication that falls under the RedState umbrella — Karen Townsend, has passed away after being sent out to provide coverage of Hurricane Beryl and the flooding and blackouts that have come about as a result of the storm that smashed like a fist of iron into the great state of Texas. Townsend lived near Houston where Hot Air lost contact with her not long after the power went out.
The blackout lasted over a week. During and after that time, the publication received no word whatsoever from Townsend. Then, on Tuesday, July 16, the company learned that she had died, her body found during a wellness check. As of this writing, there has not been any cause of death released.
Karen Townsend just recently turned 69. Townsend’s husband, Charlie, died just a few months ago.
Here’s more from writer Jazz Shaw of Hot Air:
I first encountered Karen through her work at other outlets and we quickly struck up a long-distance, online friendship. She began her career with Salem Media much the same way that I began mine when Ed Morrissey generously opened the door for me well over a decade ago. She began contributing articles on a freelance basis and was soon able to be compensated for them. I was immediately impressed with the quality of her writing, the research that she put into her work, and her ability to track the ever-shifting news cycle like a hawk. She displayed strong, Christian-conservative values in both her written work and her personality. She rapidly became a regular feature on the pages of Hot Air, always making herself available to cover breaking news at odd hours and on Saturdays and Sundays, which I particularly appreciated as the weekend editor. When a full-time position for an editor came open, both Ed and I quickly pushed for an offer to be made to her. The powers that be at Salem wisely agreed and Karen accepted, becoming our next writer and editor on the staff. Her body of high-quality work rapidly grew in volume, along with her popularity among our readers.
But Karen Townsend was far more than simply another content creator. She was a constant presence in our team’s online chats and email strings. She was always ready to pitch in and help and was quick to respond with compassion and sympathy if anyone was facing difficulties. I only had the opportunity to meet Karen a few times in person, but she was constantly in touch with all of us in the online world. She was far more than a teammate. She was a friend and a highly valued one at that.
Shaw then wrote that the loss of Karen Townsend hit him especially hard, noting that she was very strong in her Christian faith and values. The writer then shared that he’s certain Karen and Charlie have been reunited in heaven in the presence of the Lord, expressing a hope that she is looking down on her Hot Air family and keeping an eye on them to ensure they walk the straight and narrow.
What a sad and tragic loss. I’m sure both family and friends alike are suffering beneath the suffocating weight of grief, and that’s okay for a season. But thankfully, God is good, and has rescued both Charlie and Karen from their sins and brought them into His presence for an eternity of bliss.
That is without a doubt a balm to soothe the ache.
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