Federal Prosecutor Jessica Aber Passes Away at 43 Following Long Battle With Epilepsy

Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, passed away in her sleep at the age of 43, her family confirmed this week. A respected legal professional and public servant, Aber had been managing complications from epilepsy, a condition that can, in rare instances, lead to sudden, unexpected death.

Aber was found unresponsive at her home in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. According to police, there were no signs of foul play, and her death is believed to have resulted from natural causes. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia is still determining the official cause of death, and her case remains open pending further medical examination.

In a statement released to the public, Aber’s family shared that she had lived with epilepsy and experienced seizures for many years. They acknowledged that while she managed the condition privately, it remained a persistent health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with epilepsy are at risk for a rare condition known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which typically occurs during sleep and can result from breathing difficulties or irregular heart rhythms triggered by a seizure.

“Our family is in shock and grieving deeply, and we respectfully request privacy as we attempt to navigate through our unspeakable loss,” the family said in a statement.

The news of Aber’s untimely passing has reverberated through the legal and public service communities. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and mentors who remembered her as a brilliant legal mind, a compassionate leader, and a dedicated public servant.

“Jess was brilliant, but far more important was her sense for justice, her humanity, and her ability to change the world in a positive way even during her brief time with us,” said U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck, for whom Aber had previously clerked. “She was a good soul and I am proud to have known her.”

Erik S. Siebert, who is currently serving as acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, called her “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor. She is simply irreplaceable as a human being.”

Aber’s career in law and public service was marked by a steady rise through the ranks of the U.S. Department of Justice. She began her legal career as a clerk and later became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, one of the most high-profile and active federal jurisdictions in the country. She was officially appointed U.S. Attorney in 2021, becoming one of the few women to hold that post in the district’s history.

During her tenure, Aber led several high-profile cases involving national security, cybersecurity, and international law. One such case included the prosecution of a former intelligence analyst who pleaded guilty to leaking classified documents. The documents, which were shared on a public messaging platform, disclosed sensitive information related to international military operations. Aber described the leak as a serious breach of national trust, emphasizing its potential to endanger lives and compromise global partnerships.

She also spearheaded a major investigation into a Virginia-based technology firm accused of illegally shipping sensitive equipment to foreign countries in violation of U.S. export laws. The case involved complex international transactions and alleged efforts to circumvent economic sanctions by routing shipments through intermediary countries.

Colleagues describe Aber as someone who brought both intellect and empathy to her work. She was known not only for her sharp legal acumen but also for her willingness to mentor younger attorneys and advocate for the fair administration of justice. Within the Justice Department, she was widely respected for her collaborative leadership style and her unwavering commitment to ethical prosecution.

Beyond the courtroom, Aber was involved in community outreach efforts and initiatives to improve access to justice. She often spoke at legal seminars and panels, encouraging the next generation of legal professionals to pursue public service careers with integrity and compassion.

Her sudden death is a stark reminder of the often unseen challenges that individuals living with chronic medical conditions face. Epilepsy affects over 3 million people in the United States, and while many are able to manage the condition with treatment, risks like SUDEP underscore the need for continued awareness and research.

Jessica Aber leaves behind a legacy of professional excellence, personal courage, and public service. Her work touched many lives, and her absence will be deeply felt across the legal community and beyond.