Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-OH) found dead in apartment

Via AP:

WASHINGTON – Ohio Rep. Paul Gillmor, a Republican whose political career covered four decades, has died, party officials said.

“Born, raised and educated in our home state of Ohio, Paul never lost sight of the reason he came to Congress — to serve this great institution and his constituents with dedication and distinction,” House Republican Leader John Boehner, also of Ohio, said in a statement.

“With the passing of Paul Gillmor, the people of northwest Ohio have lost a favorite son,” said House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam, R-Fla.

The body of the 68-year-old congressman was found by staff members who went to his apartment Wednesday after he failed to show up for work, according to a Republican aide who spoke on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement.There was no immediate word on the cause of his death.

More from The Politico:

According to an e-mail circulating among House Republicans, the apparent cause of death is a heart attack.

News of his sudden death traveled quickly across Capitol Hill Wednesday around noon, and Republican Leader John A. Boehner, a fellow Ohioan, is expected on the floor shortly to call for a moment of silence recognizing the veteran lawmaker.

He was married, and had five children. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.