Aziza “Z” Barnes, a poet and writer for the FX drama “Snowfall” and Netflix‘s “Teenage Bounty Hunters” has died. They were 32.
Their family confirmed via a rep that Barnes died of suicide on Dec. 15. No further details were released.
“With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you of the passing of an undeniable and beloved artist, child, sibling, and friend Aziza ‘Z’ Barnes,” read their family’s statement. “Z has touched and inspired countless individuals both in their community and industry and will be deeply missed and endlessly loved by all who were fortunate to have experienced their presence and work. An incomparable talent, we look for understanding in Z’s words, and wish comfort and understanding as we grieve this loss.”
A Los Angeles native, Barnes earned a BFA from New York University and was in pursuit of an MFA studying a the University of Mississippi. Barnes was also an accomplished poet as both a Callaloo Fellow and Poet’s House Fellow.
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Safia Elhillo, a “long time” friend of Barnes, posted a tribute on Substack writing that they were a “brilliant writer” and a “bender of the genre who died too soon, who leaves an entire community behind, gathered in grief.” Elhillo then went on to share a poem from Barnes titled “Eulogy for Her,” which she has cherished since “[they] were kids.”
Some of their other credits include the “Game of Thrones” prequel series “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” which is to be released in 2025, and Max’s hip-hop drama “Rap Sh!t.”
(Pictured: FX’s “Snowfall”)