08/21/2008
Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones Dies Following Aneurysm
Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones died at 6:12 last night after suffering a brain aneurysm late Tuesday while driving her car.
The Cleveland Clinic where she died released a statement: "Throughout the course of the day and into this evening, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones' medical condition declined. Medical doctors and neurosurgeons from Huron Hospital and Cleveland Clinic sadly report that at 6:12 p.m. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones died. She dedicated her life in public service to helping others and will continue to do so through organ donations. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports: "The 58-year-old Democrat, the first African-American woman in Congress from Ohio, was in her Chrysler about 9 p.m. Tuesday when a Cleveland Heights police officer spotted her driving erratically. When the car stopped, the officer found Tubbs Jones unconscious but breathing. She was rushed to Huron Hospital in East Cleveland, where tearful local leaders arrived throughout Wednesday."
Tributes to Jones from her colleagues came immediately. Barack Obama released this statement: "It wasn't enough for her just to break barriers in her own life. She was also determined to bring opportunity to all those who had been overlooked and left behind -- and in Stephanie, they had a fearless friend and unyielding advocate." Hillary Clinton, whom Tubbs had strongly supported in the early half of the campaign called her "one of a kind, unwavering, indefatigable."
Tubbs Jones had a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign and fought for same-sex domestic partner benefits, funding for AIDS treatment and prevention, stricter hate crimes laws, and against the banning of gay adoption over her career.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 7:07 AM EST by Andy in Deaths, Democratic Party, News, Ohio | Permalink
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Not that I ever wish evil on anyone...but why couldn't it have been Rev. Fred Phelps instead?
Rest in peace Stephanie.
Posted by: Danny | Aug 21, 2008 7:35:47 AM
Stephanie was a wonderful member of her community and an outstanding American.
Posted by: jason | Aug 21, 2008 7:39:39 AM
What a terrible loss.
Posted by: MAJeff | Aug 21, 2008 7:50:06 AM
Poor thing. May she rest in peace.
Posted by: The Milkman | Aug 21, 2008 8:07:52 AM
What a loss. My deepest sympathy for her friends and family.
Posted by: Gary | Aug 21, 2008 9:34:27 AM
very sad. She sounded like a great leader.
Was she up for reelection? What will happen to her house seat?
Maybe a little early to ask such things, but I am curious
Posted by: Dan B | Aug 21, 2008 9:41:07 AM
Rest in peace
Posted by: Jimmyboyo | Aug 21, 2008 9:43:05 AM
How sad. She leaves a great legacy and a record of good work.
Posted by: Brandon | Aug 21, 2008 11:31:58 AM
My sympathies to all of her friends and family.All of us here in Ohio have lost a strong woman that stood her ground and wasnt afraid to speak up for what is right.We all will miss her very much!!
Posted by: Jayson | Aug 21, 2008 12:10:26 PM
Some people die and go to a better place a few live and make THIS a better place.
Posted by: SJ | Aug 21, 2008 12:13:35 PM
Not dead.
Posted by: Thor | Aug 21, 2008 12:24:28 PM
rest in peace. what a horrible loss
Posted by: will | Aug 21, 2008 12:51:45 PM