Jas Waters death: This Is Us stars pay tribute after writer dies aged 39

Writer scripted 18 episodes of hit NBC series

This Is Us writer Jas Waters has died at the age of 39 of unknown causes.

Waters’ death was announced via the This Is Us writers’ Twitter account on Wednesday (10 June) night, with their statement reading: “The entire #ThisIsUs family was devastated to learn of Jas Waters passing.

“In our time together, Jas left her mark on us and ALL over the show. She was a brilliant storyteller and a force of nature. We send our deepest sympathies to her loved ones. She was one of us. RIP @JasFly.”

Born in Illinois, Waters grew up in a retirement home with her grandparents and worked as a journalist and entertainment blogger before pivoting to writing for TV.

Waters worked as a writer on Comedy Central series Hood Adjacent With James Davis and The Breaks on VH1 before joining This Is Us as a staff writer in 2017.

In recent years, she worked on Jim Carrey’s Showtime series Kidding as a writer and story editor and wrote the story for the 2019 Taraji P Henson romcom What Men Want.

Her death was commemorated on Twitter by This Is Us star Mandy Moore, who wrote: “Sending love and light to @JasFly’s family and loved ones.”

Meanwhile, her co-star Susan Kelechi Watson said: “Incredibly shocked and saddened to have just receive this news. Blessed Light, fly with the angels.”

This Is Us actor Chrissy Metz wrote: “We were graced with @JasFly on the show as a fantastic writer but to know her and her beautiful spirit was to love her. I am praying for your beautiful transition, Jas. May it be full of love, light and peace. Thank you for the time we shared, your fearlessness and inspiration.”

Insecure’s Issa Rae tweeted: “I’ll never forget being so excited to get an interview w/ @JasFly for Necole Bitchie back when I was working on Awkward Black Girl. I could feel her warmth through the phone.

“Over the years, I got to know & appreciate her even more. She was so generous, beautiful and REAL. I’ll miss you, girl.”