The mystery surrounding the death of a Biden appointee who resigned on President Donald Trump’s inauguration day might have been finally solved.
Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber was found dead at just 43 years old from what appears to be complications of epilepsy.
Aber was recently discovered unresponsive in her home in Alexandria, Virginia.
Police were called to the residence, where they found no evidence of foul play. Detectives preliminarily determined her death was likely due 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,” stated the Alexandria Police Department.
Her grieving family revealed in a statement that Aber “suffered from epilepsy and epileptic seizures for many years,” providing insight into what may have contributed to her untimely death.
Medical experts note that epilepsy can sometimes lead to a condition known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
SUDEP can cause fatal complications, including asphyxiation or heart problems during seizures.
Aber’s career at the Department of Justice began in 2009. Joe Biden then nominated her to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2021.
She resigned from her position on January 20, 2025, coinciding with President Trump’s second inauguration, a common practice when administrations change.
As U.S. Attorney, Aber managed nearly 300 prosecutors and staff members, overseeing federal prosecutions throughout Virginia.
Her career included handling several high-profile cases, including the prosecution of a former CIA analyst and cases involving Russian money laundering and war crimes.
A Virginian, Aber graduated from the University of Richmond in 2003 and earned her law degree from William and Mary Law School in 2006.
Before her appointment as U.S. Attorney, she served as an assistant U.S. Attorney and deputy chief of the criminal division.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed her condolences, saying, “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.”
“Our family is in shock and grieving deeply and we respectfully request privacy as we attempt to navigate through our unspeakable loss,” the family stated in a release.
The case officially remains open pending the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s ruling on the exact cause of death.
However, police have indicated they believe it was related to her longstanding medical condition. The results are expected in the coming weeks.
Even the new U.S. attorney for the Eastern District, appointed under the Trump administration, praised Aber as “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.”
