Jessica Aber, a former U.S. Attorney appointed by President Joe Biden, died unexpectedly over five months ago, and the cause of her death has now been revealed. According to the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Aber passed away in her sleep due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)—a rare but recognized complication of epilepsy. She was 43 years old.

Aber had resigned from her position earlier in the year after President Donald Trump returned to office. Although her death prompted questions, authorities had initially stated there was no indication of foul play. The official update confirmed that her death was due to natural causes. Her family also confirmed she had suffered from epilepsy for years.

SUDEP occurs when a person with epilepsy dies suddenly without another clear cause, often during sleep. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, it affects about 1 in 1,000 individuals with the condition. Researchers believe it may result from heart rhythm issues or breathing problems following a seizure.

Aber served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, overseeing hundreds of employees and major federal prosecutions. She was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2021, following recommendations from Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.

During her tenure, Aber led several high-profile cases. These included the prosecution of a former CIA analyst who leaked classified information, the indictment of Russian soldiers for war crimes, and action against a company attempting to export sensitive technology to Russia. Locally, her office also prosecuted the mother of a 6-year-old involved in a school shooting.

Born in California, Aber later moved to Virginia for her education and career. After graduating from William & Mary Law School, she built her legal career in Richmond and became a respected federal prosecutor. In 2021, she called her appointment a “lifetime opportunity” to help restore public trust in the justice system.