Jessica Aber, a Biden-appointed former US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, died earlier this year at just 43 years old. Officials have now confirmed her cause of death: a rare epilepsy-related condition known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

Aber was found unresponsive in her Alexandria, Virginia, home on March 25. The Alexandria Police Department initially reported no evidence of foul play, citing a “longstanding medical condition.” Last week, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her manner of death as “natural.”

Her family, still grieving the unexpected loss, released a statement shortly after her passing:
“Jess suffered from epilepsy and epileptic seizures for many years… Our family is in shock and grieving deeply, and we respectfully request privacy as we attempt to navigate through our unspeakable loss.”

A rare but deadly risk for epilepsy patients

While epilepsy is a manageable neurological disorder for many, it carries hidden dangers. SUDEP refers to cases in which people with epilepsy die suddenly and unexpectedly, often during sleep, with no other clear cause.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SUDEP affects about 1 in 1,000 adults with epilepsy each year, making it the leading epilepsy-related cause of premature death. Risk factors include frequent seizures, nighttime seizures, and not consistently taking prescribed medications.

Medical experts stress that SUDEP is rare, but families and patients are often unaware of the risk. Awareness campaigns led by epilepsy foundations have pushed for greater public understanding, funding for research, and improved treatment access.

A trailblazer in law

Jessica Aber was not only a respected attorney but also a trailblazer in federal law enforcement. Appointed by President Joe Biden in October 2021, she became one of the few women to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) — a district often referred to as the “Rocket Docket” for its fast-paced handling of high-profile cases.

The EDVA covers Northern Virginia, Richmond, the Pentagon, the CIA headquarters in Langley, and the Port of Norfolk. It regularly handles some of the nation’s most sensitive cases, including terrorism, espionage, cybercrime, and major corporate fraud.

During her tenure, Aber oversaw roughly 300 attorneys and staff. Among the notable cases under her leadership:

  • The investigation and guilty plea of former CIA analyst Asif Rahman, who admitted to leaking Israel’s plans to strike Iran.
  • Probes into Russia-linked individuals accused of illegal financial and political activities.
  • Major prosecutions involving public corruption and white-collar crime.

In a 2023 interview, Aber described her role as “an honor beyond measure,” crediting both her team and Virginia’s law enforcement partners for their dedication.

Early career and rise through the Justice Department

A Virginia native, Aber graduated from the College of William & Mary before earning her law degree at the University of Richmond School of Law. She began her career as a clerk for U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson and then entered the Department of Justice, where she steadily rose through the ranks.

Before becoming U.S. Attorney, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in EDVA, where she focused on financial fraud, public corruption, and national security cases. Colleagues described her as meticulous, dedicated, and unflinching in pursuing justice.

Departure from office in 2025

When former President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, Aber submitted her resignation, following the tradition of political turnover among U.S. attorneys. “It’s a political job,” she acknowledged in her final press briefing, noting that she expected her term to end with Biden’s presidency.

In her resignation letter, she wrote:

I am deeply grateful to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and to President Biden for the opportunity to lead this office, and to Attorney General Garland for his steadfast leadership. I am proud of the work we have done with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law and build community trust.

A sudden and personal loss

Though her career achievements were substantial, colleagues and friends have remembered Aber most for her warmth and sense of purpose. Many in Virginia’s legal and political circles expressed shock at her sudden death, paying tribute to her years of service.

Her death also highlights the importance of epilepsy awareness. Advocacy groups say Aber’s story underscores why research into SUDEP and seizure-related deaths must continue. For families affected by epilepsy, it is a reminder of both the risks and the urgent need for a better understanding of the condition.

As her family mourns privately, Jessica Aber leaves behind not only a remarkable legal legacy but also a renewed conversation about a little-known medical condition that affects thousands of lives each year.

You also might be interested