Former US Attorney Jessica Aber found dead in Virginia at 43
Former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber was found dead on the morning of March 22 in Virginia, according to local police. She was 43.
Police in Alexandria, Virginia, were called to a home on Beverly Drive in the suburb of Washington, D.C., at around 9:18 a.m. for the report of an unresponsive woman, according to a police statement. They found Aber dead inside.
Police said an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of her death.
Two sources close to the investigation told ABC News that the death appears to be from natural causes. At this point there is no indication of foul play, the sources added.
A friend of the family told ABC News on Sunday that police believe the death was the result of a longstanding medical issue.
However, officials are still awaiting a formal report as to the cause and manner of her death from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Aber, who served as U.S. attorney in Virginia for most of the Biden administration, took office in October 2021 after being unanimously confirmed by the Senate and stepped down in January, shortly after President Donald Trump's inauguration.
As U.S. attorney, Aber oversaw a staff of some 300 prosecutors and other staff and handled federal prosecutions in the state.
She started working in the office in 2009 as an assistant U.S. attorney, prosecuting financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime and child exploitation cases, according to an online biography.
She received her law degree from William and Mary Law School in 2006.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi shared a statement on X on Saturday night, writing: "The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time."
"We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber," current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert said in a statement. "She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world."
Calling her a "proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career," Siebert's statement went on to say: "Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard."
In a statement, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said he was saddened to learn of her death, saying her "career of public service included US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and whose work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize."
He added, "Our thoughts and our prayers are with her family this week."
ABC News' Alexandra Faul contributed to this report.
