The former US attorney was found unresponsive in her Virginia home, prompting an official investigation. Jessica Aber has received numerous tributes, as she was widely respected in the legal community.
What caused Jessica Aber’s unexpected passing?
A Virginia Department of Health spokesperson asserted that Aber has not been examined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia as of Monday morning, as per a report by USA Today.Virginia's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will decide the cause and manner of death.
There are still unanswered questions regarding the manner of death and whether a medical condition played a role in the death of a former U.S. attorney in Virginia over the weekend.
However, authorities believe a long-standing medical condition contributed to her death. Although an investigation is underway, no foul play is suspected.
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According to a family friend, Aber had a "longstanding medical issue" prior to her death, according to reports from Fox News and CBS News, although authorities did not provide any details about her death.
The kind of medical condition Aber allegedly had prior to her death is still unknown, as per a report by Fox News.
How has the legal community responded to her death?
In a statement after Aber's passing, Erik S. Siebert, the current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said, "We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague."Her accomplishments during her far-too-short life continue to amaze us. Her poise, professionalism, and legal knowledge were exceptional. Each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will try to live up to that standard, even though we are devastated by this loss," as quoted in a report by CBS News.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi offered her condolences for Aber's passing in a statement that was posted on X Saturday.
Jessica Aber was appointed by former President Joe Biden to serve as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2021 to 2025. Her resignation letter referred to her role as "an honor beyond measure," and she resigned on January 20, the day President Donald Trump took office, as per a report by USA Today.
"I express my sincere gratitude to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, President Biden, and Attorney General Garland for providing me with this opportunity and for his unwavering leadership," the lawyer wrote.
What was her impact as U.S. Attorney?
Jessica Aber was the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Senate unanimously confirmed her nomination, which came from former President Joe Biden. Aber served as a top federal prosecutor, overseeing murder convictions against an MS-13 gang member, Siemens Energy's guilty plea to corporate espionage charges, and money laundering charges against two Russian nationals.Four military personnel with ties to Russia were accused of war crimes by the Eastern District of Virginia in 2023.
Beginning in 2006, Aber worked at the U.S. attorney's office until her resignation on January 20. In 2009, she would lead the district and eventually rise to the position of assistant U.S. attorney.
FAQs
Did Jessica Aber have any known medical issues?Yes, a family friend confirmed that Aber had a long-standing medical condition, which authorities believe contributed to her death.
What was Jessica Aber known for as a United States Attorney?
Aber oversaw several high-profile cases, including money laundering charges against Russian citizens and war crimes indictments against Russian military personnel.