Matthew Power (December 9, 1974 – April 19, 2014) was an American journalist and writer known for his long-form feature articles in publications such as The New Yorker, Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, and Vogue. His work often explored cultural, political, and social issues, with a particular focus on the United States, Latin America, and South Asia.
Early life and education
Power was born in Oakland, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of California, Irvine.
Career
Power began his journalism career as a freelance writer, contributing to a variety of magazines and newspapers. He gained prominence for in-depth profiles and narrative pieces that combined investigative reporting with literary storytelling. Notable works include:
- “The Last 30 Days” – a profile of Afghan war veteran and journalist Khaled al-Mashhadani, published in The New Yorker (2008).
- “The Best Book of the Year” – a cultural critique of the publishing industry in The Atlantic (2012).
- “Cuba in the Skies” – an exploration of Cuba’s emerging aviation sector, featured in Los Angeles Times (2013).
Power also authored a series of essays on migration, religion, and technology, and served as a mentor for emerging writers through workshops and university programs.
Death
While on assignment in Pokhara, Nepal, Power was reporting on the aftermath of a massive avalanche that struck the city on April 18, 2014. The following day, a building in which he was staying collapsed, resulting in his death along with several others. His passing was widely mourned in the journalism community, and tributes highlighted his commitment to immersive, character-driven storytelling.
Legacy
Matthew Power is remembered for his meticulous research, narrative skill, and ability to humanize complex subjects. Posthumously, his work has been anthologized in collections of contemporary journalism, and several journalism fellowships have been named in his honor to support long-form reporting projects.