Why does tragedy seem to plague this newspaper? Today we received the devastating news that Elizabeth Barton—our own Dear Libby—was found dead this morning from an apparent overdose of sleeping pills. The Emerson Valley Sheriff’s Department is treating the death as accidental, pending the official findings of the coroner’s report. It’s no secret that Mrs. Barton had been very troubled in the weeks leading up to her death.

The final edition of her “Dear Libby” column was a concerning look into a disturbed mind, but acting editor-in-chief Martin Fitzgerald was quoted as saying, “I can’t bring myself to take it down. It was the last thing she ever submitted for publication. She was always adamant that her articles never be taken down, so by leaving it up, we’re honoring her memory.”

Mrs. Barton’s death marks the the third staff member of the Emerson Valley Gazette to die in the last year and a half. We also lost Sarah Donovan in April 2024 and Ashton Rook in May 2025. In addition to these deaths, former editor-in-chief Charles Donovan has disappeared, allegedly fleeing the authorities to avoid arrest for the murder of his wife.

There is also still no word on the whereabouts of William Cooper, who had a public falling-out with Mr. Fitzgerald three weeks ago. According to Raven Club president Miriam Rook, he came to see her that night in a manic state. She claims he ranted about the Gazette for a while, demanded a flashlight and a knife, and then told her he was going to “end it once and for all.” Mrs. Rook didn’t know what he meant by that statement, but said it he sounded “really off.”

The Gazette—what’s left of it anyway—will be holding a memorial for Mrs. Barton this Sunday at 8 PM. The service will take place at Van Sutton Park to accommodate the large number of mourners expected to attend. It will be hard to get used to the idea that there won’t be any more “Dear Libby” articles ever again.

We would like to extend our condolences to her loved ones, and we ask that you allow them time to grieve in private. While Mrs. Barton had many adoring fans, she was also a person with a life outside of her column. The public can say goodbye to our beloved columnist at the memorial, so please refrain from intruding on any private services being held for her family and friends.

-Quinn Paxton, Local News, Emerson Valley Gazette