Political adviser and CNN commentator Alice Stewart found dead

CNN reported that one of its commentators, veteran conservative political adviser Alice Stewart, was found outdoors in a northern Virginia neighborhood on Saturday morning. Officers involved with the case said they believe a medical emergency possibly occurred, according to a report from CNN citing law enforcement. No foul play was suspected.

CNN Anchor Jim Acosta said he was "heartbroken," over the loss of his friend, as he phoned in during a live broadcast, saying, "I loved her so much."

Stewart, who worked on campaigns, including for former United States Senator Rick Santorum — who sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 and in 2016 — also worked as a press secretary for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee — who himself sought the Republican presidential nomination as well, in 2008 and in 2016.

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Mark Thompson, CNN's Worldwide chairman and CEO said in an email to staff on Saturday, “Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN.” He said the Emmy Award-winner "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,” CNN reported, citing the memo.

CNN said the company hired Stewart to be a political commentator before the 2016 election. Stewart was born in Atlanta on March 11, 1966 and began her career as a local reporter and producer, she told Harvard International Review in a 2020 interview.

No further details on an exact cause of death was made available by Saturday night. Stewart was 58 years old.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said Stewart's death was "heartbreaking." He called her "wonderful and talented and a dear friend" in a post to social media. Stewart worked as the communications director for Sen. Cruz's 2016 campaign.