Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber passes away unexpectedly

Jessica D. Aber, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, has died at 43, officials say.

Alexandria police responded to a call about an unresponsive woman in the 900 block of Beverley Drive in Alexandria around 9:18 a.m. on Saturday (March 22). They found Aber dead at the scene.

An investigation into her death is ongoing, following standard protocol. The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Alexandria police shared the following information;

“Statement by the Alexandria Police Department: Beverley Drive Death Investigation

 

March 22, 2025

This morning, at approximately 9:18 a.m., Alexandria Police responded to the 900 block of Beverley Drive for the report of an unresponsive woman. Officers located a deceased woman. Following notification of family members, the Alexandria Police Department can confirm the identity of the woman as Ms. Jessica Aber, age 43, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

As a matter of protocol, an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of her death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia will determine the cause and manner of death”.

On Tuesday, March 25, Alexandria Police provided the following update;

Investigation Update: Death of Ms. Jessica Aber

March 25, 2025 – Alexandria, VA – The Alexandria Police Department continues its investigation into the death of Ms. Jessica Aber. At this time, detectives have found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes.

The investigation is ongoing, and the case will remain open until the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) returns a final ruling on the cause and manner of death.

We urge the public to respect the privacy of Ms. Aber’s family during this time of loss. Any further updates regarding the cause and manner of death should be directed to the OCME of Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert expressed his grief in a statement Saturday, writing;

“We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. 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. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard.  Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career. She loved EDVA and EDVA loved her back.  We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted.”

Aber was nominated to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia by President Joseph Biden in 2021. She resigned in January 2025, allowing President Donald Trump to pick her successor.