Michigan Representative Julie Plawecki, a Democrat representing areas surrounding Dearborn Heights, has died, 7 Action News has learned. She was 54.
Plawecki was serving her first tern in the Michigan House of Representatives, and represented the 11th district, according the the Michigan House Democrats website. That included areas in Dearborn Heights, Westland, Livonia, Garden City and Inkster.
According to Chad Livengood from The Detroit News, Plawecki died from an apparent heart attack while hiking in Oregon.
Gov. Rick Snyder released this statement:
"Representative Plawecki's passing is a shock to us all and Michigan has lost a fine and dedicated public servant. The outpouring of support and grief from both sides of the aisle in both chambers of the Legislature are a testament to how much Julie cared about serving her constituents and the state of Michigan well and with distinction. Sue and I are keeping her husband, her children, and her entire family in our thoughts and prayers."
Ronna Romney-McDaniel, chair of the Michigan GOP released this statement:
We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Representative Julie Plawecki. We're sorry to see somebody so young leave us so soon. While we had our differences, she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Mark and their three daughters.
Several legislators posted on social media following word of her death.
Very sad news. My thoughts are with the Plawecki family https://t.co/WqSr6pwncF
— Rep. Dan Kildee (@RepDanKildee) June 26, 2016
It is with a sad heart that I report that MI State Representative Julie Plawecki has died at the age of 54.... https://t.co/HoqicDSVwa
— Sen Patrick Colbeck (@pjcolbeck) June 26, 2016
This is truly awful news about Rep. Plawecki. Our thoughts go out to her family. pic.twitter.com/ItQjP4kX6d
— Speaker Kevin Cotter (@Rep_Cotter) June 26, 2016
