Florida Congressional candidate April Freeman dies suddenly

LEE COUNTY — April Freeman, the Democratic candidate to replace U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney in District 17, died Sunday.

Her husband David Freeman posted the news on her Facebook page Monday afternoon by writing: “Its with great sadness that I feel I must inform all of you that my beloved wife April passed away suddenly last night. To all of her family and friends here on Facebook, my heart aches with you.”

In a brief phone interview Monday, he added, “It appears that she was having a heart attack

“That’s all I know right now,” Freeman continued. “I’ll post more ...I have no further comment.”

April Freeman, 54, was in the process of her third run for Congress, and would have opposed Republican nominee, State Sen. Greg Steube.

She lost to U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney in 2016 and in 2014 lost the District 19 seat to U.S. Rep Curt Clawson.

Freeman put her career as a TV and film producer on hold in pursuit of a congressional seat, relying on the income of her husband David, a union pipefitter and HVAC specialist.

In a prepared statement, Florida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo expressed sadness over Freeman’s sudden death.

“April put her heart and soul into her community — and was dedicated to making a better future for all Floridians,” Rizzo said. “Just last night she was in the office, making calls and working to get out the vote.

“Her work ethic and passion was an inspiration to all of us,” she added. “It is a tremendous loss to the Democratic Party and to all who knew her.

“Our hearts break for her family and love ones, who are grieving her loss.”

This story is developing.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180924/florida-congressional-candidate-april-freeman-dead-at-54

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4086363&forum_id=2#36879616)