CNN political commentator Alice Stewart dies at 58

Alice Stewart, a CNN political commentator, has died at the age of 58.

“Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,” Mark Thompson, the network’s CEO, said.

“A political veteran and an Emmy Award-winning journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN’s coverage, known across our bureaus not only for her political savvy, but for her unwavering kindness.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.”

Police officials told CNN that Stewart’s body was found outdoors in the Bellevue neighbourhood in northern Virginia early Saturday morning.

No foul play is suspected, and officers believe a medical emergency occurred.

Stewart started her career as a local reporter and producer in Georgia before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, to be a news anchor.

She went on to serve as the communications director in then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s office before assuming a similar role for his presidential run in 2008.

Most recently, Stewart was the communications director for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s 2016 campaign.

CNN hired Stewart as a political commentator ahead of the 2016 election, and she appeared on air frequently to provide insight on the political news of the day, including as recently as Friday on “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”