Alice Stewart suddenly dead at 58 after CNN correspondent & ex-Ted Cruz adviser’s body found outside near her home
CNN political commentator Alice Stewart has died suddenly at 58.
Stewart's body was found early on Saturday morning in the Belle View neighborhood of northern Virginia.
A cause of death has not yet been determined.
However, foul play is not suspected.
Officials on the scene believe Stewart may have suffered a medical emergency, CNN reported.
The network's CEO, Mark Thompson, called Stewart "a very dear friend and colleague" in a memo sent to staff following the news of her death.
“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.”
Stewart was seen on CNN on Friday just hours before her death.
"It’s always a sunny day when you can join the great @wolfblitzer on #CNN with @mariacardonadc!" she captioned a photo of the trio on her Instagram profile.
The picture would turn out to be her final post on the social media platform.
Both Blitzer and Cardona have spoken out in the hours since Stewart's passing.
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”
Mark Thompson
“We always invited her to come on my show because we knew we would be a little bit smarter at the end of that conversation,” Blitzer told Jessica Dean on CNN Newsroom.
“She helped our viewers better appreciate what was going on and that’s why we will miss her so much.”
Cardona said she and Stewart had plans to record an episode of their podcast together on Saturday.
“I just can’t believe that she’s gone,” Cardona said on CNN Newsroom.
“I want everyone to know what a special person she was, especially in this industry. As you know, today’s politics can be indecent and so dirty, and Alice was just such a loving, shining light.”
'WE ARE ALL GUTTED'
Several of Stewart's other CNN colleagues have paid tribute following the devastating news.
CNN anchor Jim Acosta wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that his "heart is broken."
"We’ve been friends going back to the 2012 campaign. We spent so many weekends talking politics with the wonderful
@MariaTCardona they always spoke so passionately but with kindness and civility. Alice was my friend and I loved her. RIP."
Fellow CNN political commentator Alyssa Farah Griffin is "gutted."
"Alice Stewart was smart, savvy, funny & most importantly kind. She felt like she was from another era - a more decent one where we cd disagree respectfully," Griffin wrote.
"She was kind to me when I was in a low place & I’ll never forget it. Sending love to those closest to her."
"Horrible news about our beloved and gifted commentator Alice Stewart. Just awful. We are all gutted," CNN's Jake Tapper wrote.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins echoed that sentiment.
"Just devastating news about our colleague Alice Stewart. She will always be remembered by her kindness above all," Collins wrote.
"Alice and I worked together at CNN for years, and she was my favorite Republican," author Keith Boykin wrote.
"We disagreed on nearly every issue, but she was always civil and respectful. May she rest in peace."
"Horrible news about our beloved and gifted commentator Alice Stewart. Just awful. We are all gutted."
Jake Tapper
REPORTER TO COMMS DIRECTOR
Born in Atlanta, Stewart began her career as a reporter and producer in Georgia.
She later relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas to become a news anchor.
Stewart then went on to serve as communications director for Governor Mike Huckabee.
She took a similar role during his 2008 presidential run.
Stewart worked as the communications director for Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum during their respective 2012 Republican presidential bids.
She most recently served as communications director for Texas Senator Ted Cruz's 2016 campaign.
Stewart joined CNN as a political commentator in 2016 prior to the election.
Several politicians have offered their condolences, including Cruz.
"Heartbreaking. Alice was wonderful and talented and a dear friend. And she loved America fiercely," he wrote.
"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."
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wrote he was "stunned and saddened" by the news.
"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," Christie continued.
"Heartbreaking. Alice was wonderful and talented and a dear friend. And she loved America fiercely."
Ted Cruz
'AWFUL NEWS'
Fans of Stewart have offered condolences on the shocking loss on social media.
"So sorry to hear about Alice Stewart. We will all miss her sparkling personality when it comes to political news & views. The world of politics is a little less bright," one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"I'm still digesting this awful news," another wrote.
"My deep, heartfelt condolences to her loved ones."
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"A real asset to CNN's lineup," another said of Stewart.
May her memory be a blessing.
