Political commentator Alice Stewart who worked an analyst on CNN after working for several Republican presidential campaigns, has died suddenly at the age of 58.
Stewart’s body was found outside in a neighborhood in northern Virginia after suffering a ‘medical emergency’. Police say no foul play was suspected.
‘Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,’ Mark Thompson, the network’s CEO, said in an email to staff on Saturday.
‘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.’
Political commentator Alice Stewart who more recently appeared as an analyst on CNN after working for several Republican presidential campaigns, has died suddenly at the age of 58. She is pictured last month at the White House Correspondents Dinner
Stewart was pictured, left, on her own Instagram account only yesterday alongside Wolf Blitzer and Maria Cardona, right, writing ‘It’s always a sunny day when you can join the great Wolf Blitzer’
Stewart was pictured on her own Instagram account only yesterday writing ‘It’s always a sunny day when you can join the great Wolf Blitzer’
She appeared to lead a relatively healthy lifestyle and only last month posted photos of her taking part in a 10 mile run, nicknamed the Cherry Blossom run, in Washington D.C.
CNN’s Pamela Brown broke the news about their own political commentator just before 5:30pm on Saturday evening.
‘We have some very sad news to report to you and I am very sorry that I have to tell you this. CNN commentator and Republican political strategist Alice Stewart has passed away,’ Brown said, tearing up.
‘Many of you knew her. She has been a staple on this network participating in many political panels bringing us deep insight into politics. You’ll remember she was a former communications director for Senator Ted Cruz. She worked with Rick Santorum, Michelle Bachman to name a few.
‘Alice and I both got our start in Arkansas television in local news. I was coming up as an intern. As we both made our way to CNN she was always there with an encouraging smile or a text as I climbed up the ladder here,’ Brown explained.
CNN lead anchor, Wolf Blitzer paid his own tribute to Stewart. ‘Personally, I will miss her very much and am very sad to hear this news.She brought us all so much information and insight. She was such a valuable piece of the team here at CNN.’
‘We are all processing this news as it was so sudden,’ Blitzer added.
Stewart was born on March 11, 1966, in Atlanta.
Stewart took part in a 10 mile run, nicknamed the Cherry Blossom run, in Washington D.C. last month
Stewart, right, is seen at last months White House Correspondents Dinner in the makeup room
CNN staffers including Jim Acosta, Jake Tapper and Kaitlan Collins shared their shock at the news
Those in the world of politics also shared their shock at hearing of Stewart’s death
Stewart started her career as a local reporter and producer in Georgia before securing a promotion as a news anchor in Little Rock, Arkansas,
She served later moved into public relations becoming communications director for then-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s office and fronting his presidential run in 2008.
In 2012, Stewart served as the communications director for the presidential campaigns of former Minnesota Rep. Michelle Bachmann and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.
During his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, she was the communications director for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
Stewart was highly regarded by her CNN colleagues who were devastated at the news
Stewart is pictured during a brunch at the British Embassy in Washington D.C. last month
Ed Goeas and Alice Stewart speaking for Michele Bachman in the spin room in 2012
CNN staffers shared their shock at learning of Stewart’s death on social media.
‘Horrible news about our beloved and gifted commentator Alice Stewart. Just awful. We are all gutted,’ tweeted Jake Tapper. ‘She was so kind’, he added.
‘A stunning loss for the CNN family’, wrote national security and law enforcement reporter Josh Campbell. ‘Looking through all of my past messages with Alice. It’s 99.99% HER cheerleading OTHERS and building us up! Notes out of the blue just to say ‘great job’ on this topic or that. Such an incredibly kind soul. God bless her memory.
‘My heart is broken over the passing of our dear colleague Alice Stewart,’ tweeted CNN anchor Jim Acosta. ‘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.’
‘Just devastating news about our colleague Alice Stewart. She will always be remembered by her kindness above all,’ political reporter Kaitlan Collins tweeted.
‘Gutted over this news. 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. She was kind to me when I was in a low place & I’ll never forget it. Sending love to those closest to her,’ CNN political commentator Alyssa Farah Griffin wrote.
In the world of politics there was similar shock followed by admiration for Stewart’s work.
‘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,’ former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie tweeted.
‘Alice was just about the nicest person you’d ever hope to meet, deeply committed to improving civil discourse, and passionate about bringing better representation for middle American conservatives to elite corridors. RIP, Alice. You will be missed,’ Scott Jennings wrote.
