Tragic news came Tuesday when it was announced that Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow died of COVID-19.
On December 23rd, Letlow was transferred from St. Francis Medical Center to the Ochsner LSU Health ICU in Shreveport, Louisiana.
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. #lagov
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) December 30, 2020
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Letlow Family Issues Statement
Family Letlow leaves behind his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two young children.
The Letlow family said in a statement, “The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time.”
“A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time,” the family noted.
I'm saddened to hear of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow's passing. He was a man of great faith, and I was looking forward to serving with him.
Please join me in praying for his wife and two young children during this difficult time.
— Randy Feenstra (@RandyFeenstra) December 30, 2020
Cindy and I are incredibly saddened by the passing of Congressman-elect @LukeLetlow tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his district. May God give peace to his loved ones in this time of great sorrow. pic.twitter.com/ZUvX9Oj0WI
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) December 30, 2020
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards Offers Condolences
On December 18, Letlow announced he tested positive for coronavirus and began a self-quarantine at home.
He was admitted to St. Francis on December 19 as symptoms persisted and was then transferred to Shreveport.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said of Letlow’s death, “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,” Edwards said.
It is with heavy hearts that @FirstLadyOfLA and I offer our condolences to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s family on his passing after a battle with COVID-19. #lagov
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) December 30, 2020
Edwards added, “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,” Edwards noted.
Louisiana’s Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said in a video shared on social media, “Laura and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Letlow family.”
He added, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/fwngYNpwWa
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) December 30, 2020
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Letlow Was Just 41-Years-Old
In a December 5th runoff election, Letlow won Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat with 62% of the vote against fellow Republican state Rep. Lance Harris.
Letlow would have succeeded his former boss Congressman Ralph Abraham, who did not seek reelection.
Letlow was Abraham’s former chief of staff.
Luke Letlow was 41-years-old.