Berkeley City Clerk Dies After Falling Down Stairs

Berkeley City Clerk Deanna Despain died over the weekend, city spokeswoman Mary Kay Clunies-Ross confirmed Monday. Authorities say she suffered in a fall down a staircase.

Despain, 37, was found by her husband, who was returning from a business meeting, just before 2 a.m. Saturday inside their home in the Oakmore district of Oakland, the Oakland Tribune reports. The couple's 9-month-old child was asleep in another room.

Authorities pronounced Despain dead at the scene, and believe she had been dead for a few hours before she was found. 

Clunies-Ross said Despain's death was "very unexpected."    

A statement issued by her family and Berkeley City Manager Christine Daniel said Despain's death was the result of a "tragic accident."

"This was very sudden, and our hearts are with her family as they come to terms with this unexpected tragedy." Daniel said. "This is a heartbreaking loss for Deanna's family, as well as all of us at the city. She was an incredible human being and an excellent city clerk who worked incredibly hard, cared deeply about good government, her profession and her staff. Most of all, she loved her friends and her family. To her husband and daughter especially, she is irreplaceable."

Despain, 37, became Berkeley's acting city clerk in June 2008, succeeding Pamyla Means, and was officially appointed as city clerk on May 17, 2009. Before becoming acting city clerk, Despain had served the city starting in September 2004 as the records manager, assistant city clerk and deputy city clerk. Despain attended the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College, according to the City Council's resolution that was passed when she was appointed.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Did you know Deanna Despain? Share your memories and tributes in the comments.