In a bombshell turn of events, the cause of the sudden death of former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber might have been revealed.
Aber was a Biden appointee who resigned on President Donald Trump’s inauguration day. She was recently found dead at her Virginia home.
The 43-year-old’s family has revealed she suffered from epilepsy and epileptic seizures for many years, a condition they believe may have contributed to her sudden passing.
Police in Alexandria, Virginia, discovered Aber unresponsive at her home. Authorities have stated they found no evidence suggesting foul play, with initial findings pointing to natural causes.
“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 department stated in its report.
The case remains open pending the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s official ruling on what caused her death.
Aber’s family released a statement addressing her medical condition and expressing their grief.
“It is with tremendous sorrow that we acknowledge the sudden passing of our beloved Jessica (Jess) Aber, who died in her sleep,” the family said.
The family revealed that Aber had battled epilepsy for years, a neurological disorder that can lead to fatal complications.
Medical experts note that epilepsy can result in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), which sometimes causes fatal asphyxiation or heart problems during seizures.
Aber began her career at the Department of Justice in 2009 after graduating from the University of Richmond in 2003 and earning her law degree from William and Mary Law School in 2006.
She rose through the ranks, serving as an assistant U.S. attorney and deputy chief of the criminal division before her appointment.
Joe Biden nominated Aber as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2021.
She managed around 300 prosecutors and staff members and oversaw federal prosecutions throughout Virginia.
Her tenure came to an end when she resigned on January 20, 2025, coinciding with President Trump’s return to the White House.
During her career, Aber handled several high-profile cases, including the prosecution of a former CIA analyst and cases involving Russian money laundering and war crimes.
“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,” said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The family stated, “We expect more information from the medical examiner in the coming weeks. Our family is in shock and grieving deeply and we respectfully request privacy as we attempt to navigate through our unspeakable loss.”
Despite their political differences, colleagues from the Trump administration have joined others in expressing condolences.
They have recognized Aber’s contributions to the legal profession and public service regardless of her political appointment.
