Do we know Alice Stewart’s cause of death?

The sudden passing of CNN political commentator Alice Stewart at the age of 58 a few months ago shocked her colleagues and viewers alike, leaving many wondering what could have led to her unexpected death. Her body was found early on the morning of May 18, 2024, in the Belle View neighborhood of northern Virginia. While law enforcement has stated that they do not suspect foul play, they believe a medical emergency may have occurred, although the specifics of that emergency have not been disclosed.

Stewart was actively engaged in her work right up until the end, having appeared on *The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer* just a day before her death. Known for her vibrant personality and keen political insights, she was also an avid runner, recently completing major races like the TCS New York City Marathon in November 2023 and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race the month before her passing.

Her unexpected loss has sparked a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum. Wolf Blitzer, CNN anchor, remarked on Stewart’s ability to elevate discussions, saying, “We always invited her to come on my show because we knew we would be a little bit smarter at the end of that conversation.”

Stewart’s influence reached far beyond her role at CNN. Before joining the network in 2016, she had a remarkable career starting in local journalism in Georgia and Arkansas. She later moved into political communications, serving as communications director for several high-profile Republican presidential campaigns, including those of Mike Huckabee, Michele Bachmann, Rick Santorum, and Ted Cruz.

Her impact was also felt at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where she served on the senior advisory committee at the Institute of Politics. To honor her legacy as a mentor, the school is establishing the Alice Stewart Memorial Mentorship Program, set to launch in September 2024, aimed at connecting undergraduate students with conservative leaders in various fields.

Former Rep. Rodney L. Davis, who collaborated with Stewart during his time as a resident fellow at the IOP, remembered her as “somebody who was cheerful and knowledgeable, and then also really showed a dedication to the Harvard community.”

Stewart was known for her distinct role as a conservative voice who valued her independence and integrity. In a 2020 interview with the Harvard Political Review, she explained her stance: “I’m not a Kool-Aid drinker; I’m not a never-Trumper, and I didn’t check my common sense and decency at the door when I voted for Trump.”

Maria Cardona, her co-host on the podcast *Hot Mics From Left to Right*, highlighted Stewart’s exceptional character in a politically charged environment: “Today’s politics can be indecent and so dirty, and Alice was just such a loving, shining light.”

As the political community grieves, Stewart’s legacy as a unifying figure in a time of division continues to resonate. While questions about her cause of death remain, her impact on political journalism and mentorship will live on through the many lives she influenced and the programs that honor her memory.