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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Family, Friends Blame Government for Aaron Swartz's Suicide

Highland Park native and Internet activist Aaron Swartz, who committed suicide at 26 last Friday, was tormented unfairly by the federal government, according to those who spoke at his funeral on Tuesday.

Highland Park native Aaron Swartz was remembered as a brilliant, compassionate mind who inspired friends and family alike during a moving funeral service held at Central Avenue Synagogue on Tuesday. The 26-year-old who committed suicide last Friday was also mourned as a victim of unfair treatment by the government.  In the packed to capacity chapel, Swartz's academic mentors, his defense attorney and his father lamented the impending trial Swartz was preparing for that they believe contributed to his depression and led to his decision to hang himself in his New York apartment last week. Swartz co-created the social news website Reddit and founded Demand Progress, an organization devoted to Internet activism and fighting expanded government…

Amy Lohmolder

11:52 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013

What a sad and tragic loss - for his family, friends and the larger world. He achieved much in a short life that surely will continue to inspire. A bright light shining in many directions...   more ›

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