This is shocking news: Andrew Breitbart passed away early this morning in Los Angeles.

We were friends once, but that ended when I could no longer stomach the right wing extremism that Andrew chose instead to embrace. I’m a bit sad that he won’t be ranting any more on Twitter about my “magic ponytail,” but some of his other, more venomous insults I must confess I won’t miss at all.

From all accounts, Andrew was a good family man who loved his wife and children, and I want to extend my sincere condolences for their loss.

Shirley Sherrod, who was falsely accused of racism by Andrew Breitbart and subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against him, has released a statement:

“The news of Mr. Breitbart’s death came as a surprise to me when I was informed of it this morning. My prayers go out to Mr. Breitbart’s family as they cope through this very difficult time.”