State Rep. Mike Reese died on Saturday afternoon at the age of 42 after suffering an apparent brain aneurysm, GOP officials announced. A statement from his Facebook page announced that he “died peacefully with his family by his side Saturday afternoon at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg.” 

Reese was first elected to represent the 59th House District in Westmoreland and Somerset counties in 2008 and was most recently reelected in 2020. Reese served as the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus Secretary in the 2019-2020 session and was reelected to serve in that role again in the upcoming session. 

State House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff released the following comments on the passing of his colleague. 

“On behalf of the entire House Republican Caucus, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Rep. Mike Reese,” Benninghoff said in a written statement. 

“More than a friend to all of us, and one of our caucus leaders, Mike was a devoted husband and father. His wife, three young children and extended family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Benninghoff continued. “I have known Mike since he took office in 2009 and have been proud to witness his many legislative accomplishments, especially his tireless work on behalf of Pennsylvania’s students and families. Mike was a model legislator who thoughtfully put his constituents first. His spirit, presence and counsel will be sorely missed.”

Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered the state flags at half-staff to honor Reese. 

State House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton released the following statement on the passing of Reese. 

“There aren’t sufficient words to express my sympathy to the family of my late colleague in the #PaHouse Rep. Mike Reese. I am praying for your beautiful family, loving wife and children, constituents, and our Chamber as we grapple with his sudden passing. #LordHealOurHearts,” McClinton tweeted on Saturday afternoon.

Reese announced on Dec. 7 that he tested positive for COVID-19 and had been quarantining after learning that he was exposed to the virus. PennLive reports that it is unclear if his death is related to the virus.