U.S. Rep. Tubbs Jones dies of aneurysm

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, died Wednesday in a Cleveland-area hospital a day after suffering a brain aneurysm, her family and hospital staff said.

"Throughout the course of the day and into this evening, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones's medical condition declined," their statement said. "Medical doctors and neurosurgeons from Huron Hospital and Cleveland Clinic sadly report that at 6:12 p.m. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones died.

"She dedicated her life in public service to helping others and will continue to do so through organ donations.

"Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."

The 58-year-old five-term congresswoman was admitted to Huron Hospital late Tuesday after suffering the aneurysm while driving, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported.

Tubbs Jones, who was to attend next week's Democratic National Convention in Denver, was first elected to her post in 1998 and was expected to win her sixth term this fall. She was the first black woman to represent Ohio in Congress.

Prior to being elected to Congress, she was a Cuyahoga County judge and prosecutor before succeeding U.S. Rep. Louis Stokes.