The tragic saga of Kevin Carmody probably won't tone down much of the froth-mouthed attacks against reporters and editors, but it may make some people think twice. (Via Jessa Crispin.)

Carmody, a veteran investigative and environmental reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, committed suicide after blistering criticism on a series of stories he did attacking a local sacred cow.

(Depression may have played a role, too, but the timing points to a significant contribution from the depth and tone of the criticism.)

Carmody was 46.