Consultant-elect Luke Letlow, a Louisiana Republican, died on Tuesday from problems of Covid-19. The 41-year-old father of two younger kids, Let
Consultant-elect Luke Letlow, a Louisiana Republican, died on Tuesday from problems of Covid-19.
The 41-year-old father of two younger kids, Letlow turned the primary member of Congress or member-elect to die from the illness. His dying has prompted messages of assist for his household from each events, with Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying in a press release, “Congressman-elect Letlow was a ninth-generation Louisianan who fought passionately for his perspective and devoted his life to public service.”
“Because the Home grieves Congressman-elect Letlow’s passing, our sorrow is compounded by the grief of so many different households who’ve additionally suffered lives lower quick by this horrible virus,” Pelosi continued. “Could or not it’s a consolation to Luke’s spouse Julia and their kids Jeremiah and Jacqueline that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this unhappy time.”
Certainly, Letlow’s dying comes because the virus reaches terrifying new heights, having claimed the lives of greater than 300,000 Individuals. And whereas he’s the primary federal elected official to die from Covid-19, many others have examined optimistic, together with Louisiana Sen. Invoice Cassidy and, after all, President Trump.
His dying is a reminder that regardless of claims on the contrary, the illness can and does have an effect on younger and wholesome individuals. It’s additionally a reminder that it’s circulating extensively just about in all places in America — together with on the highest ranges of presidency.
Letlow’s dying has federal and Louisiana officers in mourning
Letlow introduced on December 18 that he had examined optimistic for the virus, based on Politico. He was hospitalized the next day, the New York Occasions reported.
Based on a physician at a Shreveport, Louisiana, hospital the place he was handled, Letlow had no underlying situations that may have predisposed him to critical problems from Covid-19. His dying was “all Covid associated,” the physician stated.
Requested if Letlow had any underlying situations that may have made his dying extra possible, Dr. GE Ghali at LSU-Shreveport stated “None. All covid associated.” https://t.co/91R3wGuOEw
— Sam Karlin (@samkarlin) December 30, 2020
Letlow is survived by his spouse, a 3-year-old son, and an 11-month-old daughter. “The household appreciates the quite a few prayers and assist over the previous days however asks for privateness throughout this tough and sudden time,” a spokesperson stated in a press release Tuesday.
Amongst these in Congress providing tributes was Home Minority Chief Kevin McCarthy, who stated in a press release that “our hearts break tonight as we course of the information.”
“Luke had such a optimistic spirit, and a tremendously vivid future forward of him,” the Louisiana congressional delegation stated in a joint assertion. “He was wanting ahead to serving the individuals of Louisiana in Congress, and we have been excited to welcome him to our delegation the place he was able to make an excellent larger affect on our state and our Nation.”
Letlow was set to grow to be the youngest member of the Louisiana delegation, based on NOLA.com. Now, it is going to be as much as Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards to carry a particular election for his seat. The governor has not but introduced such an election, although he issued a press release mourning Letlow’s dying on Tuesday.
“I’m heartbroken that he will be unable to serve our individuals as a U.S. Consultant, however I’m much more devastated for his loving household,” the governor stated, closing with a reminder of the continuing disaster of which Letlow’s dying varieties an element: “Louisiana has misplaced greater than 7,300 individuals to COVID-19 since March, and every considered one of them leaves an incredible gap in our state.”