Alan Krueger, a Princeton University economics professor who advised U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, died over the weekend at the age of 58, the university said on Monday.
“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. 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 said in a statement.
“Alan was recognized as a true leader in his field, known and admired for both his research and teaching,” Princeton University said in a statement.
Krueger served as chief economist for the U.S. Department of Labor during the Clinton administration and chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers during Obama’s time in office.
He had taught economics at Princeton since 1987. Last week, Krueger gave a lecture at Stanford University on income distribution and labor market regulation called “Why is Basic Universal Income So Controversial?”
An avid music fan, Krueger posted about rock legends including Bruce Springsteen on Twitter and wove David Bowie into his lectures. He made this passion the subject of his latest research in his forthcoming book on economics and the music industry, due for release in June.
Krueger received numerous awards, including the Kershaw Prize by the Association for Public Policy and Management in 1997 for distinguished contributions to public policy analysis by someone under the age of 40.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and two children.
