It is my sad duty to report the death of Jessica Aber, the former US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia. She was just 43 years old. President Joe Biden nominated Aber to this role on August 10, 2021. The Senate confirmed her unanimously, and as the head of the agency she worked tirelessly and expertly for more than three years. Virginia’s office of the chief medical examiner will decide her cause of death. They will determine the mode of her demise as well.
Aber started her remarkable career in 2009 at the US district court for the eastern district of Virginia. She built a formidable reputation by prosecuting a wide range of cases, including financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation. It wasn’t only her courtroom victories that made her an army of change. From 2015 to 2016, she was counsel to the assistant attorney general in the justice department’s criminal division and from 2016 until her appointment as US attorney, served as deputy chief in that same division.
In a touching farewell message about her career, Aber made clear how thankful she was. She loved being able to represent Virginia’s eastern district.
"I've had the privilege of spending my career as a prosecutor in the eastern district of Virginia working alongside talented, hard-working public servants who manage matters affecting citizens here and across the world." – Jessica Aber
Her commitment and vision were beloved by many. The members of the legal community are devastated by her loss, and her colleagues have written a wonderful tribute to her extraordinary contributions.
"We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, US attorney Jessica Aber. She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world." – Erik Sieber
Though Aber announced her resignation on January 20th, 2021, her legacy is sure to continue making waves in the community she passionately served.
"Concluding my service to the district as its US attorney has been an honor beyond measure. 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." – Jessica Aber
With the sad announcement of her passing, many have shared messages about what knowing her meant to them.
"The loss of Jessica Aber, former US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time." – Pam Bondi