CNN is mourning the loss of a beloved colleague.
Alice Stewart, a political commentator for the network and a political advisor for multiple GOP campaigns, has died, CNN confirmed. She was 58.
According to the network, law enforcement officials confirmed Stewart's body was found outdoors in the Belle View neighborhood of northern Virginia early in the morning May 18. No foul play is suspected at this time, with officers believing a medical emergency occurred.
Following the news of Stewart's passing, a number of her CNN colleagues mourned her loss, having worked with her since she joined network ahead of the 2016 election.
"Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN," CEO Mark Thompson said in an email to staff. "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."
Before joining CNN, Stewart began her career as a local reporter and producer in Georgia before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas, to be a news anchor. She also worked as the communications director on a number of political campaigns, including former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's presidential run in 2008, the 2012 Republican presidential bids of former Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and then former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and, most recently, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's presidential campaign in 2016.
During her time with CNN, Stewart often appeared on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, whose host expressed his grief following her passing.
"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," Wolf Blitzer told Jessica Dean on CNN Newsroom. "She helped our viewers better appreciate what was going on and that's why we will miss her so much."
CNN anchor and chief political correspondent Dana Bash, who knew Stewart for more than two decades, said of her friend, "One of the many reasons why she was so valuable to us on our political panels … is because she brought that experience. She brought that understanding of how Republican politics, Republican campaigns work and she never, ever did it with anything other than a smile."
Stewart also co-hosted the Hot Mics From Left to Right podcast alongside CNN's Maria Cardona.
"I want everyone to know what a special person she was, especially in this industry," Cardona said of her former colleague. "As you know, today's politics can be indecent and so dirty, and Alice was just such a loving, shining light."
Keep reading to see more tributes to Stewart...
Jake Tapper
"Horrible news about our beloved and gifted commentator Alice Stewart," the CNN anchor wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Just awful. We are all gutted."
Jessica Dean
"We are devastated by this. Alice was a special soul—so many people came out tonight saying she’d helped them with something or sent encouraging texts," the CNN correspondent reflected. "Always leading with her humanity. I’m so thankful for her encouragement and support over the years. We’ll miss her terribly."
Chris Christie
"I am stunned and saddened by the news of Alice Stewart’s passing," the former N.J. Governor shared. "She was a political pro and a wonderfully nice person to just have a conversation with on any topic. I will miss Alice and will pray for her family."
Wolf Blitzer
"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," The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer host said on CNN Newsroom. "She helped our viewers better appreciate what was going on and that's why we will miss her so much."
Ted Cruz
"Heartbreaking," the Texas senator wrote. "Alice was wonderful and talented and a dear friend. And she loved America fiercely. She lived every day to the fullest, and she will be deeply missed. May God’s comfort and peace be upon her loved ones. RIP."
Ana Navarro-Cárdenas
"I’m very sad about this news," The View co-host shared. "Alice was kind, decent, hard-working and a woman whose faith sustained her. She was a breath of fresh air -always professional- at a time when lack of decorum and civility reign in political discussions. May she rest in peace."
"@AliceStewartDC sudden death is such a loss to all who valued her friendship as well as her political passion," the former governor of Arkansas noted. "I first met Alice in Arkansas and I am proud that she focused on making friends in politics and not making enemies. Thank you Alice Stewart!