The man elected to take over the congressional seat from outgoing Representative Ralph Abraham, Luke Letlow has died from complications of COVID-19 at a Shreveport hospital.
Letlow was admitted on December 19th to a hospital in Monroe.
He was later transferred to the ICU at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport.
“The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” Spokesman Andrew Bautsch told the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate. “A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.”
Letlow was Congressman Abraham’s Chief of Staff.
He was elected to the Congressman’s seat in November as Abraham kept a campaign promise that he would only serve three terms.
At 41-years of age Letlow was set to be Louisiana’s youngest congressman.
Governor John Bel Edwards released the following statement upon learning of Letlow’s passing:
“It is with heavy hearts that Donna and I offer our condolences to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s family on his passing after a battle with COVID-19. Congressman-elect Letlow felt a calling from a young age to serve the people of his home state, working behind the scenes for former Governor Bobby Jindal and serving as chief of staff to Congressman Ralph Abraham, who he was recently elected to succeed. COVID-19 has taken Congressman-elect Letlow from us far too soon. I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. Representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family. I hope all of the people of Louisiana will join Donna and me in praying for Congressman-elect Letlow’s family, especially his wife Julia and their two children, his many friends and the people of the 5th Congressional District. Louisiana has lost more than 7,300 people to COVID-19 since March, and each one of them leaves a tremendous hole in our state.”
Governor Edwards has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Congressman-elect Letlow’s funeral.
News of his death prompted an immediate outpouring of statements from those who knew him and worked with him.
Attorney General Jeff Landry
"Luke Letlow led an honorable life in public service to our State and our Nation. Luke was a true statesman committed to making Louisiana better. Luke’s death is a great tragedy, and Sharon’s and my prayers are with Julia and the kids."
Nancy Pelosi
"Tonight, the United State House of Representatives sadly mourns the passing of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow.
Congressman-elect Luke Letlow was a ninth generation Louisianan who fought passionately for his point of view and dedicated his life to public service.
As the House grieves Congressman-elect Letlow's passing, our sorrow is compounded by the grief of so many other families who have also suffered lives cut short by this terrible virus.
May it be a comfort to Luke's wife Julia and their children Jeremiah and Jacqueline that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time."
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy
"Laura and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Letlow family. Please keep them all in your prayers during this very difficult time. Luke will be missed dearly across Louisiana, and we all mourn his passing."
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise
"We are devastated to hear of Luke Letlow's passing.
Luke had such a positive spirit, and a tremendously bright future ahead of him.
He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our Nation. More than anything, Luke was a loving husband, father, brother, and son, and his family – like so many others who have been affected by this evil disease – needs our prayers.
"We all join in sending our strongest support to Luke’s wife Julia and their young family, and are keeping them in our prayers."