'It's Kind of a Funny Story' Scribe Ned Vizzini Dies at 32 of Apparent Suicide

The LA Times reports that writer Ned Vizzini, whose 2006 debut novel "It's Kind of a Funny Story," was turned into a feature length film, died yesterday,Thursday December 19th at age 32 in New York. The city's medical examiner confirmed that Vizzini had committed suicide.

The semi-autobiographical story "It's Kind of a Funny Story," followed a high school student whose suicide attempt brings him to a mental hospital. The 2010 film starred actor Zach Galifianakis in the lead role.

Vizzini had published three other books including the science-fiction novel "Be More Chill," the essay collection "Teen Angst? Naah," and 2012's "The Other Normals," described as "an alternative fantasy for teens."

Most recently he began writing a series aimed at middle-grade children titled "House of Secrets." A sequel, "House of Secrets: Battle of the Beast" is set to be published on March 25.

Vizzini also worked in television, writing for NBC's upcoming series "Believe," premiering in March from J.J. Abrams and Alfonso Cuarón. He was a member of the writing staff of "The Last Resort" and has written scripts for MTV's "Teen Wolf." His essays have appeared in The New Yorker and the Los Angeles Review of Books.

Vizzini is survived by his wife Sabra and their son.