LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr's wife Eleanor Carol Leavell Barr's death was related to a heart condition, the Fayette County coroner's office said.
Barr died Tuesday night of natural causes from a heart condition known as mitral valve prolapse. The congressman's chief of staff Mary Rosado said the 39-year-old passed away at the family’s home in Lexington.
“During this tragic time, we respectfully ask for privacy for Congressman Barr and his family to grieve Mrs. Barr being called home to heaven,” Rosado said in a statement. Congressman Barr may release a more detailed statement at a later date, but right now is solely focused on being a father to his two beautiful daughters."
Barr said that “in this moment of profound grief and heartbreak, we are so grateful for the gift and blessing of Carol’s life," and he asked for prayers for their two daughters.
Barr has represented Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, which includes Lexington, since 2013. Politicians including Josh Hicks, the Democratic challenger for Barr's seat, have issued statements on his wife's passing.
"My prayers are with @RepAndyBarr, his children, and his entire family. This is an unimaginable loss," Hicks tweeted. "While we may disagree politically, we’re both family men and I can’t fathom the pain he must be experiencing right now."
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