Congressman-elect dies of COVID-19, days before swearing-in

A congressman-elect in the United States, Luke Letlow, has died of COVID-19. 

 The Republican died Tuesday night, days before he was to assume office. His spokesman, Andrew Bautsch, disclosed that 41-year-old Letlow, passed away at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport. 

 “The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” he said in a statement. 

 Letlow was admitted to a Monroe hospital on December 19 after testing positive for coronavirus, and later transferred to Shreveport. Dr. G. E. Ghali, of the medical centre, told The Advocate that Letlow didn’t have any underlying health conditions. 

 The deceased would have succeeded his boss, Ralph Abrahamn, whom he served as Chief of Staff. Louisiana Governor, John Bel Edwards, said COVID-19 has taken Letlow too soon. 

 “I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family”, his statement read. 

 In her reaction, House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, prayed for comfort to Luke’s wife Julia and their children Jeremiah and Jacqueline.