Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber’s Cause of Death Revealed
The medical examiner’s office in Alexandria, Virginia has determined that former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber died from “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy” (SUDEP). This finding, released in July, confirms what Aber’s family had previously shared about her long battle with epilepsy and related seizures. Aber passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in March at the age of 43, with police confirming they found no evidence suggesting her death was caused by anything other than natural causes. The revelation brings closure to questions surrounding the sudden loss of this respected legal figure who had served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2021 until January 2024, when she stepped down coinciding with the presidential transition.
Jessica Aber’s career was marked by dedication and notable achievements in public service. When resigning from her position on January 20, 2024, she expressed profound gratitude in her resignation letter, calling her role “an honor beyond measure” and thanking Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine along with President Biden for the opportunity to lead. She also acknowledged Attorney General Garland for his “steadfast leadership” during her tenure. Her words reflected not just professional satisfaction but a deep commitment to justice and community trust-building. Throughout her time as U.S. Attorney, Aber worked closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law while emphasizing the importance of building community relationships – a balance that defined her approach to public service.
During her tenure as U.S. Attorney, Aber tackled several high-profile and sensitive cases that had significant national security implications. One of her most notable prosecutions came shortly before her resignation when ex-CIA analyst Asif Rahman pleaded guilty to leaking top-secret documents concerning an Israeli plan to strike Iran. Rahman had posted classified documents on Telegram, which resulted in Israel postponing its initial military plans. Aber didn’t mince words when addressing this breach, describing Rahman’s actions as a “violation of his oath, his responsibility, and the law” that “placed lives at risk, undermined U.S. foreign relations, and compromised our ability to collect vital intelligence in the future.” Her handling of the case demonstrated her unwavering commitment to protecting national security interests.
Beyond the Rahman case, Aber’s record included successful prosecutions involving Russian nationals engaged in fraud within the United States and other sensitive intelligence matters. Her expertise in handling complex cases involving national security earned her recognition from colleagues and superiors alike. In 2019, before her appointment as U.S. Attorney, Aber received the Department of Justice’s Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service – one of the highest honors bestowed upon federal prosecutors. This award highlighted her exceptional skills and dedication to justice long before she assumed the top position in the Eastern District of Virginia, suggesting a career built on consistent excellence rather than isolated achievements.
The revelation about Aber’s cause of death brings attention to SUDEP, a condition that claims thousands of lives annually but remains relatively unknown to the general public. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy typically occurs during or following seizures, often during sleep, and affects individuals with epilepsy who otherwise appear healthy. Despite Aber’s successful management of a demanding career while living with epilepsy, her passing highlights the unpredictable nature of this condition. Her family’s openness about her long-standing epilepsy struggle may help raise awareness about SUDEP and the challenges faced by the nearly 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy – many of whom, like Aber, lead accomplished professional lives while managing their condition.
Jessica Aber’s legacy extends beyond her legal accomplishments to include the example she set as someone who didn’t allow health challenges to define or limit her public service. Throughout her career, she maintained a reputation for integrity, fairness, and dedication to justice while privately managing a serious neurological condition. The contrast between her public achievements and private health struggles paints a picture of remarkable resilience. As colleagues and the legal community reflect on her contributions, Aber’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the often invisible challenges many professionals face while excelling in demanding careers. Her commitment to justice, community trust-building, and national security will be remembered alongside her personal courage in facing health challenges that ultimately took her life too soon.
