The family of former US Attorney Jessica Aber has opened up about the devastating circumstances surrounding her sudden death at just 43 years old.
As previously reported, Aber, who served as the top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found unresponsive in her Alexandria home on Saturday, March 22.
Police were called to the residence following a report of an unresponsive woman, and confirmed her death shortly after arriving.
“Following notification of family members, the Alexandria Police Department can confirm the identity of the woman as Ms. Jessica Aber, age 43, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia,” the official police statement read.
The late attorney's loved ones have since revealed that Aber died in her sleep and had long struggled with “epilepsy and epileptic seizures," ABC News reported.
The condition, which affects the brain and leads to recurring seizures, can cause symptoms such as temporary confusion, stiff muscles, loss of consciousness, and uncontrollable jerking movements.
“We expect more information from the medical examiner in the coming weeks,” the family said in a public statement. “Our family is in shock and grieving deeply, and we respectfully request privacy as we attempt to navigate through our unspeakable loss.”
The Alexandria Police Department provided an update on March 25, stating the investigation remains ongoing but emphasized there was “no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes".
“The case will remain open until the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) returns a final ruling on the cause and manner of death,” police said. “We urge the public to respect the privacy of Ms. Aber's family during this time of loss. Any further updates regarding the cause and manner of death should be directed to the OCME.”
Aber’s death has left a significant void in the legal community. The late woman, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, served as U.S. Attorney for EDVA from 2021 to 2025.
She stepped down from her role shortly before Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States earlier this year.
According to the Department of Justice website, Aber led a staff "of approximately 300 prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel across four Divisions located in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News,” and served “over six million residents” throughout the district.
Tributes have poured in since her passing. Erik S. Siebert, her successor as US Attorney for the Eastern District, called her “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor,” adding: “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,” Siebert continued. “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 will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares commended Aber's contributions to public safety, writing: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jessica Aber, whose 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. Our thoughts and our prayers are with her family this week.”