Michelle McNamara, a crime writer and wife of actor/comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, has tragically died at her home in Los Angeles on Thursday, according to Oswalt’s publicist. Kevin McLaughlin of Main Stage Public Relations said that McNamara died in her sleep and no cause was given. Her passing “was a complete shock to her family and friends, who loved her dearly,” McLaughlin said. McNamara was only 46-years-old.
McNamara graduated from the University of Notre Dame and received a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Minnesota. She created the website True Crime Diary, which covers small profile cold cases.
“It’s the ones that really don’t get that much attention that interest me because I think what’s interesting about them is there’s more stuff to be unearthed that hasn’t been in the public yet and you can do it,” McNamara wrote. “I wanted to get more involved in the cases that were fueling my own curiosity,” she said in 2007.
Patton confirmed his wife’s death by retweeting a story by The Hollywood Reporter about McNamara’s untimely demise.
Oswalt has been showcased on this site extensively for his brilliant wit in tackling a number of issues. He is also an actor who has appeared on Veep, Agents of SHIELD, The King of Queens, Magnolia, Starsky & Hutch and Ratatouille.
McNamara and Oswalt married in 2005, and have a 7-year-old daughter named Alice.
Celebrities paid their respects and gave Patton their condolences.
My heart goes to the Oswalt family.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) April 23, 2016
My heart and thoughts and best wishes go out to @pattonoswalt and his family.
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) April 23, 2016
Absolutely crushed for my friend @pattonoswalt and his daughter…my thoughts and prayers are with you.
— Kevin James (@KevinJames) April 23, 2016
It can't possibly mean anything, but @pattonoswalt has a couple of people here who are sending him and his family a lot of love right now.
— Rob Thomas (@ThisIsRobThomas) April 23, 2016
Oh my God, @pattonoswalt – my heart breaks for you & your family's devastating loss. If you need any help, I'm here. https://t.co/5RrlrKB121
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) April 23, 2016
@pattonoswalt my deepest condolences Patton.
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) April 23, 2016
https://twitter.com/wilw/status/723665018206580737
https://twitter.com/abbijacobson/status/723691013303361540
https://twitter.com/OfficialKat/status/723698418732797952
https://twitter.com/michaelianblack/status/723682435700019205
My heart is heavy for you @pattonoswalt I can't.
— christina applegate (@1capplegate) April 23, 2016
My heart goes out to @pattonoswalt
and his family.
We love you man— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) April 23, 2016
https://twitter.com/CarsonDaly/status/723672698258219009
@pattonoswalt We are so sorry for your loss. We love you and feel for you.
— Kevin Nealon (@kevin_nealon) April 23, 2016
I LOVE YOU – I am here for you always @pattonoswalt xo https://t.co/YpKwXKqbWm
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) April 23, 2016
[USAToday]