Congressman-elect Luke Letlow dies of Coronavirus complications

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December 29, 2020

Austin M. Lirette

December 30, 2020

Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, died Tuesday evening from complications with COVID-19, just weeks after his election to Congress to represent Louisiana’s 5th District as the state’s youngest U.S. representative.

Letlow was admitted to a Monroe hospital with COVID-19 symptoms on Dec. 19th before being transferred to Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport. He was moved to the intensive care unit on Dec. 23rd.

In a statement to the New Orleans Advocate, Dr. G.E. Ghali, of LSU Health Shreveport shared the Congressman-elect was in critical condition but had recently shown signs of improvement when he “apparently suffered a cardiac event this evening that was refractory to all resuscitation efforts.” Ghali previously said Letlow was being treated with the antiviral drug Remdesivir and steroids. When asked if Letlow had any underlying conditions that would have made his death more likely, Ghali said in a text message, “none. All COVID related.”

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

His death has elected officials and others sharing statements of support and kindness.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement that Letlow “felt a calling from a young age to serve the people of his home state.”

“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. “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.”

The governor ordered flags to be flown at half staff on the day of Letlow’s funeral.

Attorney General Jeff Landry issued the following statement upon the death of Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow: “Luke Letlow led an honorable life in public service to our State and our Nation. Luke was a true statesman committed to making Louisiana better. Luke’s death is a great tragedy, and Sharon’s and my prayers are with Julia and the kids.”

Congressman Garret Graves released the following on his Facebook page: “I recently learned how 2020 could possibly get worse: my friend, former co-worker, a husband to Julia, a father to two very young children, the former chief of staff to Congressman Ralph Abraham and the Member of Congress-elect to represent northeast Louisiana just died from complications associated with Covid. Luke Letlow is now with our Creator, but his premature departure from this world is a huge loss to Louisiana and America. Just weeks ago, voters overwhelmingly chose Luke to represent them in Congress. They saw what so many of us know of Luke – kind, smart, quick-witted, God-fearing, hard-working, honest and just a good guy. I looked forward to working with him in our small delegation in Washington. This news is hard and words cannot express my sorrow right now. Life is a fragile gift. Luke’s passing reminds me how thankful we should be everyday for all of the blessings and challenges we have. Please join me in praying for Luke, Julia and their young family. God has a plan.”

Senate President Page Cortez released the following statement: “Luke Letlow was a bright and emerging leader in the State of Louisiana. He had the heart of a public servant and a true love for his community, state, and country. He was kind and passionate about helping others. But more than anything, he was a wonderful father, husband, and friend. His loss is a terrible tragedy on every level. Please join me as we send our deepest condolences to his wife, young children, and entire family. We pray for peace and comfort in their hearts during this difficult time.”

LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack released the following statement on the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow: “Tonight, Louisiana lost a great man. A promising public servant, a loving husband and father, a Louisianan through and through. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family and my most sincerest appreciation for having known him and the privilege of calling him a friend. Louisiana needs more men like Luke and I pray that his legacy will serve as a role model for others to follow in his footsteps.”