News of the World Whisteblower Found Dead

Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:35am EDT

Sean Hoare, a News of the World reporter turned whistleblower, was found dead in his home Monday, the Guardian is reporting.

========================================

Hoare, who worked for two News Corp. British papers – the Sun and the World – was the first journalist sourced by name to implicate former News of the World editor Andy Coulson in the phone hacking scandal. The police have said his death is “not thought to be suspicious,” though the investigation is ongoing.

Hoare, who was dismissed from work for problems related to drinking and drug use, first made the allegations in the New York Times expose last September. He told the Times that Coulson not only knew about hacking but also encouraged his reporters to use the tactic.

Once a friend of Coulson’s, Hoare later expanded upon his allegations and became a source for the Guardian and the BBC.

Related Articles:  News Corp. Scandal Claims Second High-Ranking London Police Official Former News of the World Editor Arrested


=================================================
.reuters.com/article/2011/07/18/idUS221991703220110718