Veteran Trans Sportswriter Dies

Veteran Los Angeles Times sportswriter Mike Penner, who made headlines in 2007 when he announced that he was transitioning from male to female -- from Mike Penner to Christine Daniels -- has died, the Times reports. The 52-year-old, who last year began identifying as a man again, was found dead Saturday at his L.A. home. Suicide is the suspected cause of death.

"He was one of the most talented writers I've ever worked with," said Times sports editor Mike James, who added that Penner covered numerous beats, including the National Football League and sports media, during his more than two-decade-long career at the paper.

In April 2007, Penner wrote a column announcing that she would be transitioning. She received strong support and some criticism from readers. In 2008 he told coworkers that he was returning to his male identity and started using the Mike Penner byline again.