April Freeman, the Democratic candidate for U.S. House District 17, died unexpectedly yesterday. Her husband David announced the news on Freeman's personal Facebook page.

"Its with great sadness that I feel I must inform all of you that my beloved wife April passed away suddenly last night. To all of her family and friends here on Facebook, my heart aches with you," he wrote."

Freeman in August won the Democratic primary and was set to face Republican Greg Steube in the general election. Steube cancelled all campaign events in the wake of the news.

"My thoughts and prayers are with April Freeman’s family in the wake of her tragic passing," Steube said in a statement. "I respect her service to our community and admire her commitment to the causes she cared about. Out of respect to her memory, next week’s campaign events will be cancelled."

It was Freeman's second time as the nominee. Two years ago, she ran unsuccessfully against Tom Rooney, who announced his retirement this year.

"We are incredibly saddened by the sudden death of April Freeman," said Florida Democratic Party chair Terrie Rizzo. "April put her heart and soul into her community—and was dedicated to making a better future for all Floridians.

"Just last night she was in the office, making calls and working to get out the vote. Her work ethic and passion was an inspiration to all of us. It is a tremendous loss to the Democratic Party and to all who knew her."