Queens State Senator Jose Peralta Dies Suddenly Aged 47

QUEENS, NY – The first Dominican-American elected to New York's State Senate died suddenly Wednesday aged 47. His passing prompted an outpouring of shock from New York politicians.

The Democrat died at 9:23 p.m. after being rushed to Elmhurst Hospital after feeling ill at his home, his office said in a statement. The cause of his death was not known by Friday morning.

"I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Senator Jose Peralta," Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted.

"Senator Peralta was a dedicated public servant, a relentless advocate for Queens and a pioneer as the first Dominican-American elected to the New York State Senate."

Sen. Michael Gianaris, a Democrat whose Queens district neighbors Peralta's, tweeted shortly after learning about his colleague's death: "I am reminded of the fragility of life and the need to value each day on this Earth. Hold your loved ones a little closer today and appreciate all you have."

Peralta represented Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst and Woodside and had been in the Senate since 2010. Before that, he had been an assemblyman since 2002.

He was about to be replaced by Jessica Ramos who beat him in the September Democratic primary after he sided with Republicans by joining the Independent Democratic Conference.

"I know in his heart he loved his community," Ramos tweeted Thursday. "He was a true public servant."

Lead image via the office of Sen. Jose Peralta