Paul Hamilton Magid was a novelist, screenwriter, and former camp director remembered by those who loved him for his generosity, hopeful nature, and positive outlook on life. Born in New York City, Paul grew up on a horse farm in Englishtown, New Jersey. After attending the prestigious Peddie School in Hightstown, he went on to earn a business degree from George Washington University.
For many years, he worked in the family business as a director of the Country Roads Day Camp in Manalapan, New Jersey, a place where he impacted the lives of many young people.
A man of varied talents and deep spiritual interests, Paul found a profound calling in writing. He was the author of the novel “Lifting the Wheel of Karma,” a spiritual epic that took him 25 years to complete. He began writing it in high school and described the process as fulfilling his Dharma, or life's duty. The story follows a gifted young athlete who, after a life-altering accident, seeks answers from a sage in the Himalayas. The book’s themes of healing, redemption, and finding peace were deeply personal to Paul, who drew inspiration from his own life, including a trip to India and his interest in Hinduism. In 2012, he embarked on a cross-country book tour, visiting over 600 bookstores to share his work. In addition to his novel, he was the credited screenwriter for the 2016 film “Harvey's Dream.”
Paul’s creative pursuits were informed by a life that had known significant adversity. He had survived a gymnastics accident in his youth that left him temporarily paralyzed and later dealt with several chronic health conditions. He channeled these experiences into his work, infusing it with a unique sense of purpose and intensity. Beyond his writing, friends and family recall his deep love for the outdoors and for his dogs, especially his beloved Bella. He was a cherished son, brother, and uncle.
On Thursday, October 1, 2026, Paul died in Malibu, California, at the age of 58. His obituary described his death as sudden. According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, Paul was found on a hiking trail in the scenic coastal city. The cause of death was officially listed as a gunshot wound, and the manner of death was classified as a suicide.
The investigation into the specific circumstances of Paul’s death was handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in conjunction with the county's medical examiner's office. Authorities processed the scene where he was discovered and made the official determination regarding the cause and manner of his death. Based on the public classification of the case, a homicide investigation was not pursued by law enforcement.
In the weeks that followed, Paul's family announced that a private memorial service would be held to honor his life and memory. He was predeceased by his father, Abraham Magid. He is survived by his mother and her husband, Joan and Jack Pinto, a large and loving family of nine siblings and their spouses, and sixteen nieces and nephews who adored him. He also left behind a dear friend, Sharon McQueen, and her children.
As of October 2026, the case is not considered an active criminal investigation. Authorities have officially classified the death and are not seeking any suspects or persons of interest in connection with the incident. No public appeals for information have been made by law enforcement.
