Journalists mourned the loss of one of their own over the weekend after it was reported that a Republican commentator employed by CNN had died.
According to Breitbart, CNN political commentator and Republican political adviser Alice Stewart died. She was 58. The network confirmed her passing.
Authorities confirmed to CNN that Stewart was found deceased outside of a neighborhood in Northern Virginia.
Early reports indicated that the GOP commentator had died of some type of medical event.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson penned an email to employees announcing the tragic news and honoring Stewart, who he called a "very dear friend."
"Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN," Thompson wrote in his email.
He added, "A political veteran and an Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN’s coverage, known across our bureaus not only for her political savvy, but for her unwavering kindness. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss."
I’m shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of @CNN political commentator Alice Stewart. Alice and I worked together at CNN for years, and she was my favorite Republican. We disagreed on nearly every issue, but she was always civil and respectful. May she rest in peace. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/BgaBnKXuJb
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) May 18, 2024
Breitbart noted Stewart's impressive background:
In an interview with the Harvard Internation Review, Stewart revealed that she had attended the University of Georgia and received a degree in broadcast news and political science. After graduating, she worked as a reporter and producer in Savannah before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, and eventually taking a job as the communications director for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R).
Given her career in politics and behind the camera, Stewart was widely remembered and praised by colleagues, politicians she's worked for, and friends.
"Heartbreaking. Alice was wonderful and talented and a dear friend. And she loved America fiercely. She lived every day to the fullest, and she will be deeply missed. May God’s comfort and peace be upon her loved ones. RIP," Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz wrote on X.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wrote, "I am stunned and saddened by the news of Alice Stewart’s passing. She was a political pro and a wonderfully nice person to just have a conversation with on any topic. I will miss Alice and will pray for her family."
"Alice Stewart was a woman’s woman who brought kindness and support along with smarts and expertise. I met her in Iowa in 2007 covering the Huckabee presidential campaign and worked with her in politics before I got to call her a CNN colleague. I can’t believe she’s gone," CNN's Dana Bash wrote.
As of this writing, a cause of death has not been revealed.
