Louisiana Republican Congressman-elect Luke Letlow died on Tuesday night from complications related to COVID-!9 after having been hospitalized last Wednesday, a family friend told the Monroe News-Star.

Letlow died in the Intensive Care Unit at Oschner LSU Health in Shreveport, Louisiana. He announced on December 18 that he had tested positive for the virus.

The 41-year-old married dad of two won the Pelican State’s 5th District seat in a Dec. 5 runoff race and was set to take office on Sunday.

“Our economy is vital to future of our state and our country.

“So while we’ve been cautious and I think both the state and federal level have taken numerous precautions for COVID-19. We’re now at a place if we do not open our economy we’re in real danger.” pic.twitter.com/g3WKTuwMj2

— Luke Letlow (@LukeLetlow) October 8, 2020

A Letlow spokesman said in a statement:

“The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time.”

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Letlow’s wife Julia had thanked the public for their “continued prayers and well wishes” as her husband continued to battle the illness.

“He truly enjoyed meeting people, learning about them, and helping them. We keep Luke, his family, and especially his young children in our prayers.” https://t.co/sFRPyxysQa

— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) December 30, 2020

“We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of support we have received and feel truly blessed to be touched by the prayers of so many,” she wrote.

The Facebook page was updated Tuesday night with the news of Letlow’s death.

“Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, passed away this evening at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport due to complications from COVID-19. LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor G.E. Ghali said Letlow died from a heart attack following a procedure elated to the infection.

“He had no underlying conditions,” Ghali said. “It was just COVID.”

“Letlow was admitted into a Monroe hospital on December 19 after testing positive for the coronavirus and was transferred to Ochsner-LSU Health on Tuesday, December 22, and placed in intensive care. Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, PhD., and two young children.

“The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time. A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.”

— Andrew Bautsch, Representative for Congressman-elect Luke Letlow.

Gov. John Bel Edwards mourned Letlow’s death.

“It is with heavy hearts that @FirstLadyOfLA and I offer our condolences to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s family on his passing after a battle with COVID-19″. #lagov

— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) December 30, 2020

“COVID-19 has taken Congressman-elect Letlow from us far too soon. I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. Representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family.” #lagov

— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) December 30, 2020

“I hope all of the people of Louisiana will join Donna and me in praying for Congressman-elect Letlow’s family, especially his wife Julia and their two children, his many friends, and the people of the 5th Congressional District.” #lagov

— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) December 30, 2020

We extend our RedState thoughts and prayers to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s beautiful family at this very difficult time.