US congressman dies from Covid-19 days before taking office

Luke Letlow, Louisiana’s most recent Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, died of complications related to Covid-19 just days before taking office. He was 41 years old.

Letlow spokesman Andrew Bautsch said the congressman-elect died at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport on Wednesday.

“The family appreciates the many prayers and support over the past few days, but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” Bautsch said.

“A statement from the family will be announced later along with the funeral arrangements.”

The incoming congressman, elected in a December runoff and taking office in January, was admitted to a Monroe hospital on December 19 after testing positive for coronavirus. He was later transferred to Shreveport and placed in intensive care.

Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two children.