Princeton Professor, Aide To Obama And Clinton, Takes Own Life

PRINCETON, NJ — Alan Krueger, a well-known and respected Princeton professor who had stood beside and advised two presidents, took his life over the weekend, his family confirmed in a statement.

"It is with tremendous sadness we share that Professor Alan B. Krueger, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and Princeton professor of economics took his own life over the weekend," according to a statement released by Krueger's family.

Krueger, 58, leaves behind his wife, Lisa and kids, Ben and Sydney.

Princeton Police reported responding to the Krueger home Saturday morning, where they found Krueger.

A James Madison Professor of Political Economy, Krueger "was recognized as a true leader in his field, known and admired for both his research and teaching," according to a statement by Princeton University.

Along with teaching at the University for more than three decades, Krueger's "life exemplified a commitment to public service," the University stated.

He served as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama.

Obama credits Krueger for helping to return "the economy to growth and sustained job creation, to bring down the deficit in a responsible way, and to set the stage for wages to rise again."

"But Alan was someone who was deeper than numbers on a screen and charts on a page. He saw economic policy not as a matter of abstract theories, but as a way to make people’s lives better. He believed that facts, reason, and evidence could make government more responsive, and his enthusiasm and curiosity was truly infectious. It’s part of what made him not only a great economist but a great teacher – someone who could make complicated subjects accessible and even fun," according to a statement by Obama.

Krueger also served as President Bill Clinton’s chief economist at the Department of Labor from 1994 to 1995.

"Through it all, he had a perpetual smile and a gentle spirit – even when he was correcting you. That’s what made him Alan – a fundamentally good and decent man," Obama stated.

No funeral arrangements have been made yet and a public celebration of Krueger’s life and legacy will be released at a future date, the University noted.

"The family requests the time and space to grieve and remember him. In lieu of flowers, we encourage those wishing to honor Alan to make a contribution to the charity of their choice," the Krueger family stated.

People experiencing suicidal thoughts can find support at the below resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Tlc4teens.org: A website created by the Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth, which includes organizations, hotlines and relevant articles that have been vetted by TLC
• Call or text 2NDFLOOR — a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey youth and young adults, ages 10 to 24, at 888-222-2228. It is staffed 24 hours a day.
• NJ Hopeline: 855-NJ-HOPELINE at 855-654-6735