Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio died this evening.  The Congresswoman was rushed to the hospital this afternoon after suffering from an massive aneurysm and brain hemorrhage.  The doctors reported later in the afternoon that there was no brain activity and that she was being kept alive by life support and a ventilator.  It was just reported that the Congresswoman died this evening.  Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was the first African-American to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee and to represent the state of Ohio in Congress.  Congresswoman Tubbs Jones also was the Chairwoman of the House Ethics committee.  Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was just 58 years old.  Our deepest sympathies to her family.  The following statement was released by the Tubbs Jones family:

Tubbs Jones Family, Huron Hospital and Cleveland Clinic

August 20, 2008 - 6:40 p.m.

“Throughout the course of the day and into this evening, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones’ medical condition declined. Medical doctors and neurosurgeons from Huron Hospital and Cleveland Clinic sadly report that at 6:12 p.m. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones died.

She dedicated her life in public service to helping others and will continue to do so through organ donations.

Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”