Journalist Michael Hastings was investigating CIA Director John Brennan for an upcoming expose project prior to his tragic death in a car accident, the reporter's wife, Elise Jordan, confirmed. XETV-TV reporter Kimberly Dvorak claims sources had told her the exact same thing.

Credit: AP



Additionally, an anonymous source recently provided the news station with "an alarming email" hacked from CIA contractor Strafor's President Fred Burton. The email, which was posted on WikiLeaks, claimed that Brennan previously headed up the government's effort to crackdown on investigative journalists.

"Brennan is behind the witch hunts of investigative journalists learning information from inside the beltway sources," the alleged email reads. "Note -- There is specific tasker from the WH to go after anyone printing materials negative to the Obama agenda (oh my.) Even the FBI is shocked. The Wonder Boys must be in meltdown mode..."

The email's authenticity has not been confirmed.

More from XETV-TV:

After providing the Stratfor email to the CIA for comment, the spymaster's spokesperson responded in lightning speed. Two emails were received; one acknowledging Hastings was working on a CIA story and the other said, “Without commenting on information disseminated by WikiLeaks, any suggestion that Director Brennan has ever attempted to infringe on constitutionally-protected press freedoms is offensive and baseless.” The emails also prompted a phone from CIA media spokesman Todd Ebitz. He said they were saddened by Michael’s death and reiterated their position that they had a cordial working relationship with the investigative reporter. On the other hand, Stratfor, specifically Fred Burton, remains nonresponsive.

Rolling Stone plans to run Hastings's final story on Brennan in its upcoming edition, the late journalist's wife said.

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