RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Former United States (U.S.) Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Jessica D. Aber, has passed away at 43-years-old. Aber was appointed by former President Joe Biden and was sworn into office on Oct. 12, 2021. In a statement from U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert of th e U.S. Attorney's Office, he shares this message: “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.” Attorney Erik S. Siebert of the U.S. Attorney Districts office According to an anonymous source from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Aber died in her sleep last night, however no further details have been released at this time. Stay with 8News for more updates, as this is a developing story. ...read more read less