'This Is Us' Writer Jas Waters Dies by Suicide at 39
Editor's Note
If you experience suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
Writer Jas Waters has died by suicide at the age of 39, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office, on Wednesday. Waters was a writer for the hit NBC show “This Is Us” and wrote for other film and TV projects, including “Kidding,” “What Men Want” and “Hood Adjacent With James Davis.”
“The entire #ThisIsUs family was devastated to learn of Jas Waters passing,” writers from “This Is Us” shared on Twitter. “In our time together, Jas left her mark on us and ALL over the show. She was a brilliant storyteller and a force of nature. We send our deepest sympathies to her loved ones. She was one of us.”
The entire #ThisIsUs family was devastated to learn of Jas Waters passing. In our time together, Jas left her mark on us and ALL over the show. She was a brilliant storyteller and a force of nature. We send our deepest sympathies to her loved ones. She was one of us. RIP @JasFly. pic.twitter.com/cmrh2OO8of
— ThisIsUsWriters (@ThisIsUsWriters) June 10, 2020
“This Is Us” has received praise for how it handles difficult topics, including mental health. Waters was open about her own mental health on Twitter, saying she struggled with anxiety. She also shared how she was coping — cooking — and let fans know they weren’t alone. “If you’re struggling just to keep the fear of the unknown in check, know that you’re not alone. I’m with you,” she wrote.
Fans, friends and colleagues reacted to Waters’ death on Twitter and shared condolences.
This news took my breath away. Jas was absolutely brilliant and had so many stories still to tell. She made an indelible mark on our show and my heart breaks for her loved ones. RIP @JasFly https://t.co/fAZlIjhsIH
— Dan Fogelman (@Dan_Fogelman) June 10, 2020
We were graced with @JasFly on the show as a fantastic writer but to know her and her beautiful spirit was to love her. I am praying for your beautiful transition, Jas. May it be full of love, light and peace. Thank you for the time we shared, your fearlessness and inspiration ❤️
— Chrissy Metz (@ChrissyMetz) June 11, 2020
.@JasFly was a one of a kind voice and so integral to our Kidding writing team.This is a devastating loss for those who knew her and lived in her light. One of my fav lines of hers is resonating loud with me today: Our scars do not mean we are broken. They are proof we are healed
— Dave Holstein (@yodaveholstein) June 10, 2020
Sending love to everyone who knew Jas Waters. She was one of those people who was a source of light that just drew you in. I know people are hurting today. Let's take care of each other.
— Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) June 10, 2020
I am incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Jas Waters. I really, really looked up to her and was always so excited for her future.
— Brittany Luse (@bmluse) June 10, 2020
Jas Waters is the reason I ever realized black women writers could be in varying industries and succeed. I can't explain how her passing is hitting black women in media today.
— Clarissa Brooks (@ClarissaMBrooks) June 10, 2020
It is with extremely heavy hearts that all of us at RMG mourn the life of our client & friend, Jas Waters. Jas was a talented & gifted writer, an amazing person, & a sweet soul who will be forever missed. Though she is no longer with us, her impact will be felt for years to come. pic.twitter.com/zA3yiFaRLD
— RMG (@RainManagement) June 10, 2020
My heart is with the family and friends of Jas Waters. Jas was an incredibly kind woman and a truly brilliant talent. My team at Hello Sunshine was honored to collaborate with her. I send my deepest sympathies and condolences to everyone whose lives she touched.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) June 11, 2020
“Dart, I say this with nothing but love in my heart but you are INFURIATING. Is every Bostonian like you?” Jas once asked me. There was only one Jas Waters. I’m in shock. I’m typing on autopilot. I have another number in my iPhone that I’ll never get a call or text from. FUCK.
— Dart_Adams (@Dart_Adams) June 10, 2020
Rest In Power Jas Waters
She was the real deal. https://t.co/hZnnDEo7BN pic.twitter.com/Jo2yBS6YDt— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) June 11, 2020
If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who feel suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.
Header image via Jas Waters’ Twitter
Renée Fabian was the features editor at The Mighty. She has also written for The Washington Post, VICE, Healthline, Talkspace, The Fix, The Establishment, The Culture Trip, and GRAMMY.com, among others. Renée was named a 2019 AHCJ Comparative Effectiveness Research fellow, a 2020 USC Center for Health Journalism California fellow, and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. You can follow her on Twitter @ryfabian.
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