Statement From the Office of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

WASHINGTON, Aug 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Yesterday evening, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was admitted to Huron Hospital after suffering an aneurysm while driving her car in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. At the present time Rep. Tubbs Jones' condition has stabilized and she is receiving the best care available.

Tuesday's condition followed a full day of activity, including planning for an upcoming forum on electoral reform, scheduled for September 4, 2008 at Cleveland State University. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was scheduled to travel to Denver on August 24, 2008 to attend the Democratic National Convention as a superdelegate.

The 11th Congressional District Office wishes to thank friends, constituents, and colleagues for their expressions of concern and asks that the community allow the family privacy at this time. Thanks are also extended to the Cleveland Heights police department and emergency medical services, Huron Road Hospital, The Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Gus Kious, Chief of Staff at Huron Road Hospital.

Please continue to direct all press inquiries to Nicole Y. Williams and Joe Hewitt.

CNN now reporting Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones has passed away. My deepest condolences go out to her family.

MSNBC staff and news service reports
updated 3 minutes ago

Earlier Wednesday, media outlets, citing "sources familiar with the situation," erroneously reported that Tubbs Jones had died. Her doctor said a short time later that she was in "critical condition" at a hospital in East Cleveland, Ohio.

Wherever Stephanie Tubbs is at this moment - my prayers are with her and her family.

A young 58 year old - reminds us we never know when it will be our time.

The Plain Dealer is now confirming a story it had run earlier.

A statement from the family and Hospital:

Tubbs Jones Family, Huron Hospital and Cleveland Clinic

August 20, 2008 - 6:40 p.m.

"Throughout the course of the day and into this evening, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones' medical condition declined. Medical doctors and neurosurgeons from Huron Hospital and Cleveland Clinic sadly report that at 6:12 p.m. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones died.

She dedicated her life in public service to helping others and will continue to do so through organ donations.

Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."

Amen to that. Every morning is a new day, and a blessing for which we can be grateful but cannot be certain of.