The Louisiana representative-elect died Tuesday of Covid-19, the first member of the US Congress to succumb to the illness.
Republican Luke Letlow, 41, was elected to the 5th district of Louisiana and was due on Sunday to be sworn in.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards revealed the news with a “heavy heart” on Twitter.
“He wrote, “I am heartbroken that he won’t be able to serve our people as a leader of the United States, but I am even more saddened by his caring family.
Edwards announced that on the day of Letlow’s funeral, he had ordered flags to be flown at half-staff.
His wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two young children survive Letlow.
“In a statement to US media, his family said, “The family appreciates the various prayers and help over the past few days but requests for privacy during this tough and unforeseen period.
On December 18, Letlow revealed that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was quarantined at home. Three days later, he was hospitalized.
In the quote, Pelosi said, “Congressman-elect Letlow was a ninth generation Louisianan who fought passionately for his point of view and devoted his life to public service.”
“As the House mourns… The pain of so many other families who have already suffered lives cut short by this devastating virus is compounding our sorrow.
“House of Representatives Republican whip Steve Scalise, who also represents Louisiana, tweeted that to hear of Letlow’s death he was “devastated.
In recent months, the US has seen an alarming surge in coronavirus cases. The country had reported 19,526,228 cases with 337,918 deaths as of Monday evening, both the highest tolls in the world by far.
