Featured Image Credit: X/@USAttyAber
Topics: Health, US News, Virginia, Joe Biden, Donald Trump
Emily Brown
Topics: Health, US News, Virginia, Joe Biden, Donald Trump
The family of former US attorney Jessica Aber have shared further details about her death after she was found unresponsive at her home in Virginia at the age of 43.
Aber's body was found on Saturday (March 22), after police in Alexandria, Virginia were called to the home on a report of an unresponsive woman.
Her death at 43 years old caused 'tremendous sorrow' for the family of the former attorney, who took office in October 2021 and remained in the position for most of Joe Biden's stint in the White House until 2024.
Aber stepped down from her position in January, shortly after President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term on January 20.
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Her family have revealed that Aber died in her sleep, saying she had suffered from 'epilepsy and epileptic seizures for many years'. Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures, with symptoms including temporary confusion, staring, stiff muscles, uncontrollable jerking movements and loss of consciousness.
In their statement, the family continued: "We expect more information from the medical examiner in the coming weeks. Our family is in shock and grieving deeply and we respectfully request privacy as we attempt to navigate through our unspeakable loss."
On March 25, the Alexandria Police Department shared an update saying its investigation into Aber's death was ongoing, but that detectives had found 'no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes'.
"The case will remain open until the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) returns a final ruling on the cause and manner of death," the department continued.
"We urge the public to respect the privacy of Ms. Aber's family during this time of loss. Any further updates regarding the cause and manner of death should be directed to the OCME."
Tributes have been paid to Aber in the wake of her death, with Erik S. Siebert, the new US attorney for the Eastern District, describing her as 'unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor', adding: "She is simply irreplaceable as a human being."
"We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world," Siebert said. "Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard."