On Tuesday, newly elected congressman Luke Letlow of Louisiana died from COVID-19, just days before being sworn into office on Jan. 3. He was 41.
Letlow, a Republican, had first announced his positive diagnosis for the virus on Dec. 18 on his now-deleted Twitter account. According to The Christian Post, a follow up post on Letlow’s account noted that he had been “transferred from St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center in Shreveport, LA.”
Andrew Bautsch, a spokesman, confirmed Letlow’s death at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport in a statement.
“The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” Bautsch said. “A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.”
Dr. G.E. Ghali, of LSU Health Shreveport told The Advocate that Letlow “apparently suffered a cardiac event this evening that was refractory to all resuscitation efforts,” despite recently showing signs of improvement.
In a statement issued by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, he called the state to pray for Letlow’s family.
“I hope all of the people of Louisiana will join Donna and me in praying for Congressman-elect Letlow’s family, especially his wife Julia and their two children, his many friends and the people of the 5th Congressional District,” he said.
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise posted a statement on behalf of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation over Letlow’s passing.
“Devastated to hear of my friend Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s passing.” Scalise said. “Luke had such a positive spirit and a tremendously bright future. Join me in praying for his young family during this incredibly difficult time.”
““He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our Nation,” the delegation members added. “More than anything, Luke was a loving husband, father, brother, and son, and his family – like so many others who have been affected by this evil disease – needs our prayers.”
Following a runoff earlier this month, Letlow was elected to represent Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and their two children.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Images/Public Domain Image
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer. Visit his blog Blessed Are The Forgiven.
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