By , ,
Published December 23, 2015
Just days after the startling news of the deadly Tucson shooting, a White House staffer has endured a tragedy of his own. The wife of Dan Turton, White House Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, was found deceased inside a burning car at their Washington, D.C. home Monday.
In a message obtained by Fox News, Interim Chief of Staff Pete Rouse informed White House employees of the incident. "It is with great sadness that I share with you some news about our White House family. Dan Turton's wife, Ashley, died this morning at their home in Washington," Rouse told his staff.
Ashley Turton was a lobbyist, but had been press secretary and then Chief of Staff to Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D). "She was special as a pioneering chief-of-staff who knew how to make the House of Representatives work for people. My heart goes out to her family, especially her husband Dan and their three young children," DeLauro said in a statement.
DeLauro continued, "She was a leader and comrade in arms to so many staff. She was a member of our family, and we mourn her."
Rouse touched on the personal effect Turton's death might have on staffers. "Many of you have worked with both of them during their careers on Capitol Hill, and they exemplify the definition of public servants. We are making every resource available to Dan and his family in his moment of need, and we will update you soon about where you can send condolences to the Turton family."
Congress is still reeling from the near death of one of their own when Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D) was shot in the head at an event she was holding in Tucson Saturday. She's still in critical condition.
"This is truly a terrible week for our Congressional family," DeLauro said.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-and-congress-endure-another-tragic-loss