Former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber most likely died of “natural causes,” police said in a statement Tuesday.
Aber, 43, was found dead in a home in Alexandria, Va., after police received a report of an unresponsive person Saturday morning, according to a statement released by the Alexandria Police Department.
Officials released an update to the investigation Tuesday that pointed to “natural causes” as the most likely cause of death.
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“While the investigation into the death of Ms. Jessica Aber is ongoing, at this time, detectives have found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes,” the statement said.
“We urge the public to respect the privacy of Ms. Aber’s family during this time of loss,” police added. “Any further updates regarding the cause and manner of death should be directed to the OCME.”
It still remains unclear whose home she was in and who phoned in the report.
A family friend of Aber told NBC News that police believe she died because of “a long-standing medical issue.”
In Aug. 2021, Aber was appointed by President Joe Biden as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and unanimously confirmed by the Senate.
She resigned from her position Jan. 20, the day of President Trump’s inauguration for his second term.
U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert said in a statement Saturday that he was “heartbroken beyond words” at Aber’s passing.
“She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being,” the statement read.
He added, “She loved EDVA and EDVA loved her back. We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted.”
According to her archived staff profile, prior to being named U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Aber served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the district and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.
