Alex Okrent, an Obama staffer since 2004, collapsed this afternoon in Chicago.
Okrent worked in the campaign’s paid media department, which handled advertising for Obama’s re-election bid. He was a staffer for Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and worked on his 2004 race for an Illinois Senate seat. Okrent also worked in a variety of other campaigns.
After he collapsed, Chicago paramedics were called to the Obama headquarters in the Prudential Building where he was given emergency treatment. Okrent was then taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Our condolences to Okrent’s family and loved ones.
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Update:
Friends, coworkers, and strangers have all taken to Twitter to pay their respects to Alex, who himself tweeted as @HeyAok.
.@HeyAok RIP Thoughts and prayers with your family and friends.
— mitera (@greenmitera) July 13, 2012
I didn't know @HeyAok but I mourn for the loss of a fellow young progressive who used his short life to try to make our country better. RIP.
— morgan miller (@morganmiller) July 13, 2012
Can't fathom a world without @HeyAok – what a bright and passionate star. 1st guy I met when I arrived in IA in '07. Lots of great stories.
— Michael Simon (@mbsimon) July 13, 2012
https://twitter.com/beatnpath/status/223926957702791168
I'm very shocked & sad that we lost @HeyAok today. Just glad that I'm w/ @mhalle & able to reminisce about a great guy who we lost TOO SOON.
— Stephen Neuman (@ssneuman) July 13, 2012
Rest in peace to @HeyAok whom I didn't know personally but as progressives in this movement we are all one family. Forward.
— Jenni (@JenniDigital) July 13, 2012
To the family, friends and colleagues of #HeyAok prayers and condolences. Too young. Far too young.
— Steve Brown (@fnwaypark) July 13, 2012
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Update:
The president makes a condolence call to Okrent’s family and the Romney campaign responds.
President Obama makes condolence call to family of 29-yr old staffer Alex Okrent – died suddenly today at Chicago HQ.
— MikeFlanneryFOX32 (@PoliticalEditor) July 13, 2012
Ann & I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Alex Okrent. Prayers are with Alex’s loved ones and the entire Obama campaign team.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) July 13, 2012
So sorry to hear about Obama staffer Alex Okrent. Horrible to lose someone that young. Prayers with his family & Obama staff.
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) July 13, 2012
Update:
President Obama also tweeted his condolences.
A beloved member of our campaign family, Alex Okrent, passed away today. Our prayers are with his loved ones. We will miss you, Alex. -bo
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 14, 2012
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