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Update: Stephanie Tubbs Jones Has Died

Bump and Update: Stephanie Tubbs Jones died about 6:12 pm ET.

***

Initial media information was incorrect. She is still alive but in critical condition. Contrary to media reports earlier, she did not die this morning. She suffered an anuerism while driving in Cleveland last night.

A 2007 profile of Rep. Jones is here.

My condolences go out to her family. She was 58 years old.

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    Man I am so saddened by this (5.00 / 12) (#1)
    by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:27:30 PM EST
    What a great representative she was for her constituency.  She lead a lot of political battles that were true to the Democratic core.

    For obvious reasons she will have a lot of people here who really admired her.

    May she rest.  Truly the Democratic party and we, the country, lost a real gem today.

    The link has been updated.... (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by p lukasiak on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:46:42 PM EST
    to say that Tubbs-Jones is "in critical condition" and cites earlier, incorrect, reports of her death.

    The article does not mention anything about "brain death" or being removed from a respirator (as reported below), but does say that " her friends and relatives were preparing for the worst."

    I can only hope that she pulls through, because she was an important voice in the House for justice of all kinds.

    Parent

    MSNBC (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by MichaelGale on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:13:18 PM EST
    reports critical but no death.

    Parent
    I'm actually in (none / 0) (#83)
    by chel2551 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:57:11 PM EST
    Cleveland right now.  I hoped that the report was wrong, and then I didn't see anymore about it on the local news.

    I really hope she pulls through.  She has a lot of people rooting for her.  Even my republican sister-in-law, whom we're visiting, was praising her earlier.

    Parent

    Watching the news now though. (none / 0) (#84)
    by chel2551 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:59:54 PM EST
    Doesn't sound good at all.

    Parent
    she's gone (none / 0) (#85)
    by Blowback on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:07:24 PM EST
    Cleveland Plain Dealer update says she passed at 6:12 PM today.

    http://blog.cleveland.com/plaindealer/2008/08/hospital_confirms_us_rep_steph.html

    Parent

    okay....so the media was wrong (5.00 / 0) (#72)
    by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:58:00 PM EST
    for once I am THRILLED that they were.

    I hope that the science of medicine and her strong will pull her through this.

    Good energy being sent to this amazing lady!

    Parent

    Talk about misreporting the news....glad (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:09:52 PM EST
    to her Rep. Tubbs Jones is alive and on the mend I hope.  Get well lady.....we need you!!

    Parent
    This is such a loss (5.00 / 6) (#2)
    by cawaltz on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:27:49 PM EST
    I will miss her in Congress. She was such a joy to watch and she truely was one of those people I wish more Democrats chose to emulate.

    Oh no (5.00 / 4) (#3)
    by Steve M on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:28:33 PM EST
    She was a great lady.  This news saddens me deeply.

    Terrible news (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by angie on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:30:13 PM EST
    I read this morning she was in the hospital. A great public servant and a wonderful woman.

    So sad (5.00 / 3) (#7)
    by nell on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:31:21 PM EST
    We have lost one amazing woman. I am so sad.

    Depressing (5.00 / 3) (#8)
    by andgarden on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:32:50 PM EST
    She was so full of life.

    Tragic (5.00 / 3) (#9)
    by BDB on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:33:04 PM EST
    We can't afford to lose the good ones, there are too few of them.  She was one of the good ones.  

    NO NO NO (5.00 / 3) (#10)
    by waldenpond on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34:04 PM EST
    NO NO NO Serious but limited brain function on life support.

    Media had wrong info.  

    News is on right now (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by waldenpond on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:42:06 PM EST
    CNN says they erred.  Fox said they erred.  I just watched the spokesperson just give a news conference at the hospital.  She is in critical condition.

    Parent
    if recovery is possible this is great news (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:44:36 PM EST
    lets hope and pray she doesnt end up in a vegetative  state or something.  that, IMO, I worse.


    Parent
    Not according to her attending doctor (none / 0) (#42)
    by inclusiveheart on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:49:00 PM EST
    who says she is still in his care.

    Parent
    Often the case ... (none / 0) (#76)
    by RonK Seattle on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:09:52 PM EST
    ... when they're keeping the body warm waiting for her people arrive to see her one last time.

    What a loss.

    Parent

    I have an acquaintence who (none / 0) (#80)
    by JavaCityPal on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:06:50 PM EST
    had TWO anuerisms burst in her brain at the same time. She remained in a coma for weeks, but survived. She's not capable of her once powerful corporate work, but you'd never know anything had happened if you hadn't known her before. Instead of executive work, she's doing customer service at an acceptable level.

    We can only wait and see how things go for Stephanie Tubbs Jones, and send our most positive energy her way.

    Parent

    Watching the press conference. (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by inclusiveheart on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34:12 PM EST
    She is not dead.  She is in critical condition.

    I suspect that someone got this wrong confusing "brain dead" with "dead" because the doctor said that she has "very limited" brain function - someone might have said that she is brain dead and misreported it as dead.

    CNN gets egg on his face. . . (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by andgarden on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34:53 PM EST
    um, *its* (none / 0) (#19)
    by andgarden on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:35:21 PM EST
    Either way, sad. I will miss her voice.

    Parent
    MSNBC and CNN (none / 0) (#33)
    by BarnBabe on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:44:08 PM EST
    CNN had as breaking. Then it was gone. Then it was there again. When it was gone I checked MSNNC and they had it as breaking. I was hoping they made a mistake.

    Parent
    They apparently had good Congressional (none / 0) (#39)
    by andgarden on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:46:51 PM EST
    sources, but something different was reported at the hospital news conference. Who knows.

    Parent
    I have a hunch about why (none / 0) (#46)
    by inclusiveheart on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:52:19 PM EST
    this was mis-reported given the devastation that anyeurisms can inflict on the human brain.

    We'll see what happens.  Her physician was not very specific about her condition except that he made a point of noting that she has "very limited brain function".

    Parent

    LOL (none / 0) (#62)
    by MichaelGale on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:15:48 PM EST
    "he" does that often

    Parent
    I admired her courage (5.00 / 5) (#12)
    by BarnBabe on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34:15 PM EST
    She never relented from her committment for Hillary Clinton. I have always liked her and enjoyed watching her speak. She knew her stuff. She will be missed dearly. One of my favorite women politicians. This is very sad indeed.

    One of my favorite politicans too (5.00 / 3) (#90)
    by Democratic Cat on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:32:02 PM EST
    I remember hearing an interview with her on NPR some time back and just being marvelously impressed with her. Congress and the country are worse off tonight for her loss.

    Parent
    Now CNN reports she is still alive (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by myiq2xu on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34:43 PM EST
    By way of official announcement

    She was a woman of terrific courage and will (5.00 / 2) (#15)
    by athyrio on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:34:59 PM EST
    be deeply missed by many...We need more fighters like her and like Hillary to carry the democratic brand forward thats for sure!!!!

    so tragic (5.00 / 3) (#16)
    by Little Fish on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:35:15 PM EST
    I'm heartsick today. Such a loss. My heart goes out to her family, friends and constituents.

    RIP, Ms Tubbs-Jones. Thanks for all you've done!

    She is not dead yet (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by BernieO on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:35:16 PM EST
    The doctors just held a press conference. But she has only minimal brain activity, so it looks hopeless.
    She is such a great spokesperson for the party. Not wimpy and mealy-mouthed like so many.

    Not good. (none / 0) (#56)
    by Fabian on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:08:56 PM EST
    I think they are in evaluation & decision mode.  Although from the first reports, there is little hope.  This is the tough part for the family, deciding what to do next.

    Parent
    it sure is (none / 0) (#60)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:14:08 PM EST
    send them all your good vibes

    Parent
    previous comment is right on (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:36:39 PM EST
    we can not afford to lose the ones like her.
    this is very very sad.   heart goes out to her family.

    Stephanie Tubb Jones.....what a fighter (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:37:34 PM EST
    you were.  You will be sorely missed....R.I.P.

    Tubbs Jones was a true pioneer (5.00 / 7) (#22)
    by shoephone on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:39:22 PM EST
    Tubbs Jones, whose mother was a factory worker and father a skycap at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, is proud of achieving a number of "firsts" among black women. She was the first to serve as a common pleas judge in Ohio. She was the first to serve as Cuyahoga County's prosecutor. She was the first to serve as a member of Congress from Ohio, the first to join the House Ways and Means Committee, and the first to chair the Ethics Committee.

    She served on the Ways and Means commmittee with my congressman.

    yes she was a pioneer and truly great woman (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by kempis on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:11:42 PM EST
    She'll be missed very much.

    Parent
    Oh, no. (5.00 / 0) (#23)
    by tek on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:39:26 PM EST
    Tragic loss.

    my heartful sympathy to the family (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by hellothere on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:40:12 PM EST
    sad and she had so much more to do!

    Unreal. STJ seemed unstoppable :-( (5.00 / 3) (#26)
    by Ellie on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:40:54 PM EST
    I'm just stunned.

    Didn't know much of her (5.00 / 0) (#28)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:41:43 PM EST
    I recognize her name, but not her great reputation.   It sounds like that's my loss.  RIP or.... I hope somehow she gets her brain activity to return, whichever story is correct.

    I really liked her (5.00 / 4) (#30)
    by catfish on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:42:23 PM EST
    whenever I saw her on TV. She was tough but never mean-spirited. In fact she made it look like she was having a ball but she knew her stuff.

    Absolutely (5.00 / 4) (#51)
    by IzikLA on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:58:01 PM EST
    She was smart as hell, loyal, and always a pleasure to watch...

    Parent
    She absolutely radiated (5.00 / 3) (#92)
    by DJ on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:42:01 PM EST
    with joy.  She could completely disagree with someone but do it with such enthusiasm and respect.  Worked so hard for people.  What a tragedy.

    Parent
    How sad... (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by sher on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:43:17 PM EST
    I appreciated Rep. Jones spunk; her presence will be missed by her constituents and the nation

    Is it too much to ask of the news media (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by shoephone on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:45:01 PM EST
    that they get the story right, whatever it is?

    I already know the answer to that.

    Really (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by IzikLA on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:00:52 PM EST
    This is a travesty of reporting.  Her life deserves much better.

    Parent
    And so, yet again, (5.00 / 2) (#55)
    by Landulph on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:04:39 PM EST
    the MSM botches a story. Are we surprised? And yes, this is disgraceful. She deserves much better than this.

    Parent
    Poor Hillary... she must be heartbroken as (5.00 / 5) (#37)
    by athyrio on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:45:18 PM EST
    she has lost two close friends in the last week (counting the delegate in Arkansas that was shot down)....So sad for all concerned and condolences to the family...

    that is so true, thank you for pointing that out (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by nulee on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:47:40 PM EST
    that's right.  Damn.  And two premature deaths.

    Parent
    Very Sad (5.00 / 3) (#43)
    by tlkextra on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:49:35 PM EST
    I still feel somewhat in shock. I will miss the enthusiasm of her personality. You couldn't help but smile when you watched her speak.

    Well, I am sorry I didn't know about her (5.00 / 0) (#44)
    by MarkL on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:50:49 PM EST
    while she was alive; apparently she was someone special.

    And so.... (5.00 / 5) (#45)
    by mogal on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:51:04 PM EST
        "Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. "
    (Prov.31:31NLT)


    Heartsick (5.00 / 2) (#49)
    by Idunn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:55:47 PM EST
    I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie in Ohio a few months ago. She was warm, gracious , funny...just an incredible loss.

    This is sad and terrible news (5.00 / 3) (#50)
    by Anne on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:57:27 PM EST
    and my heart goes out to her family, friends, colleagues and constituents; she was tireless in her work, and a great friend to, and advocate for, the Democratic Party.

    Terrible news... (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by OrangeFur on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:01:30 PM EST
    I hadn't heard of her before this campaign, but I grew to respect her tremendously by the end of it. What a courageous woman.

    If she pulls through (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:04:00 PM EST
    If she pulls through, save this and send it to her.

    How many people have the opportunity to hear the good words said about you when you die?

    Hope she's around to chuckle about it.

    Wishing her the very, very, best.

    I hope she pulls through (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by americanincanada on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:10:04 PM EST
    My mom did when she had her massive anuerism in 1993. They were able to remove it in a 14 hour surgery. However, hers had not burst. I a praying for this courageous and loyal woman and for her friends, family and many supporters.

    ETA: Someone does need to change the headline.

    Jeralyn - Please fix the spelling of (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by Anne on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:25:17 PM EST
    Jones' name: it should be "Tubbs" not "Tubb;" for some reason, it's really bothering me.

    Thanks.

    Very sad (5.00 / 0) (#68)
    by MichaelGale on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:36:39 PM EST
    A dynamic woman and a real fighter. We need more like her in politics.

    So sorry for her family, particularly her son.

    Ms. Tubbs Jones (5.00 / 0) (#69)
    by lilburro on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:48:42 PM EST
    rocks.  I hope she pulls through.

    My best wishes to her.

    It's Tubbs, with an 's', Jeralyn (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by JimWash08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:57:49 PM EST
    I hope Congresswoman Jones pulls through.

    We love you Stephanie. (5.00 / 0) (#73)
    by prittfumes on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:59:55 PM EST
    If anyone can do it, you can.

    Oh I love her. (5.00 / 2) (#74)
    by hairspray on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:01:11 PM EST
    What a courageous woman. I hope she survives.

    I'm heartbroken (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by janarchy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:04:07 PM EST
    She's been one of the leading lights in Congress for a very long time. She was an amazing woman, a tough fighter and a true Democrat. She's the one who got Ohio for Hillary just for a start -- she's one of the best people we've ever had.

    I'm just gutted. I hope she pulls through although the prognosis isn't very good.

    (and like everyone else said, Jeralyn, it's Stephanie TUBBS Jones)

    A true hero (5.00 / 6) (#78)
    by jen on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:27:45 PM EST
    a few snippets to show the kind of woman we are losing. A great loss to any real democrats.
    ========
    FROM WAPO

    Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio) is pushing back hard against the kind of pressure that has come down on Rep. John Lewis (Ga.) and other black Democratic superdelegates who are being pressed to back Obama's candidacy.

    "I say shame on anyone who's engaged in that conduct," Tubbs Jones said. "I'm not trying to be a martyr. I think Senator Clinton is the best candidate. And the beauty of the United States of America is you have the right to have your opinion, and I have the right to my opinion."

    "I'm not going to succumb to that kind of pressure," she added. "If I change my mind, it will be because Senator Clinton said, 'Stephanie, let's make a move.' "

    =========

    FROM CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER- JUNE 2008

    Q: Do you think she [Hillary] has kept this going too long?

    A: Absolutely not.

    Q: Even (by) just a couple days?

    A: Imagine you were running for president of the United States, and for 18 months you've been championing your candidacy. You don't just turn around and drop it within hours. She needed time to talk to supporters, talk to contributors. I mean, the network of folks across the country, unfortunately she's been placed in a position to let them read it in the newspaper because someone in a call decided to go out and tell everybody that she's going to suspend her campaign on Friday.

    I think that she earned the right to have some time to wade through what was going to happen, get a chance to contact some supporters. She would have liked to have told them personally. Just like when you take a new job and you're going to leave a job, you want to tell your boss, you want to tell whoever it is. I think she earned that right.

    Everybody's rushing to have her do something. I don't think there was any rush. Just like I don't believe there's any rush for Barack Obama to choose who his vice presidential candidate will be. I think that after the grueling campaign they both were in, they both were entitled to some time... and actually some time to have a conversation with one another.

    We're talking it being in the interest of the party, to talk about how they can work together, whether V.P. or not. They both got 18 million votes. And in order for her to be able to bring with her some of her supporters, she needs some time to understand where he's going to be, what he's going to do, so she can reassure these people -- and by these people I mean her supporters -- that she's had a chance to have a conversation. And this is where I think we can go.

    Q: Do you think the supporters are going to go with her?

    A: I think some will and some will not.

    Q: Do you think it's going to take some time to heal that wound first?

    A: Oh, absolutely. And by people rushing people to do things, it's as important that Sen. Clinton talks to her people to help Sen. Obama, but it's just as important for Sen Obama to talk to his people about putting out a welcome mat.

    There is no way he's going to win this election without her support and support of people who voted for her. It ain't going to happen.

    Q: Do you think it was a mistake for her not to more formally acknowledge Obama's victory the other night?

    A: No.

    Q: Why not?

    A: She's got 18 million people who support her. She said, 'Congratulations.' What more do people want from her?

    Q: She never spoke of him as the presumptive nominee. And she was introduced by Terry McAuliffe as the next president of the United States.

    A: Oh, God, you all are lost in that, huh? I thought it was a great rally. I didn't see anything wrong with Terry McAuliffe's introduction and I didn't see anything wrong with her speech.

    Again, she got 18 million supporters who don't turn off like a light bulb. And just as she's going to take Saturday and say to the world she's going to endorse Barack Obama. She needed time to bring her people. And I think she earned the right to have that time.


    h/t ms in la

    What a great excerpt (5.00 / 3) (#82)
    by shoephone on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 04:44:55 PM EST
    How many other people in the U.S. Congress speak in such a clear, straightforward and intelligent way?

    Okay, I'm trying to count them on my fingers now... it's a slow process.

    I love people who reject the BS as well as Tubbs Jones does.

    Parent

    Actually (5.00 / 2) (#121)
    by IzikLA on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 10:15:15 PM EST
    It was a very fast process - I was done before I started!!

    STJ was a one of a kind.  I am one of the people who did not know her before the primaries but had tremendous respect for her afterwards.  She was right by Clinton's side in Ohio when her campaign roared back to life and their exuberance together was beautiful.

    Now, reading about her votes and what she fought for over the years, I completely understand the kindred spirit and I do believe this is a great loss.

    Parent

    Bless her. (5.00 / 2) (#79)
    by eleanora on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:28:05 PM EST
    She's such a great fighter, with a wonderful heart and dazzling smile! We've been so lucky to have her fighting for Democratic causes, and I hope that she'll not be taken from us so soon. My family is praying hard for her recovery.

    This sucks. (5.00 / 3) (#87)
    by p lukasiak on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:29:52 PM EST
    I really liked S T-J.   She represented the best of what the Democratic Party stood for, and we need more people like her.  

    Usually, when I hear about the death of a public figure, I really don't care.  I do care about the loss of Stephanie Tubbs-Jones.  

    My special thoughts and prayers to her family (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by cawaltz on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:30:16 PM EST
    she was an inspiration during her time here and she will be missed. The country lost a beacon today. Everytime Stephanie Tubbs Jones spoke I knew exactly where she stood and exactly who she was. I loved and respected her for that and there aren't that many folks I say that about.

    Here's to hoping there is an afterlife and she has our back just as she did while she was in Congress.

    Rest in Peace. (5.00 / 3) (#89)
    by gmo on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:30:44 PM EST


    I'm so sorry (5.00 / 2) (#91)
    by esmense on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:36:01 PM EST


    RIP. (5.00 / 2) (#93)
    by LatinoVoter on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:47:16 PM EST


    My condolences to her family and friends (5.00 / 3) (#94)
    by Jjc2008 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:47:23 PM EST
    This kind of a shock spins you out of control. I have lost three loved ones to aneurysms.  Normal, happy and healthy one day....gone the next.  It throws you for a loop. It's surreal.  Lost my mother, my sister and a close first cousin to aneurysms and all were relatively young (55, 60, 51).  In our family it is aortic root.....and genetic.

    But like brain aneurysms by the time there are symptoms, it is often too late.  Yes, some people can and have been saved but not so in this case.

    A sad day for all....especially her family and the dems in OH who she served.

    sorry to hear of your losses (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by Josey on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 08:26:41 PM EST
    Can anything be done to prevent aneurysms?
    Can they occur other than the brain?


    Parent
    Well (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Jjc2008 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 08:48:01 PM EST
    Yes, aneurysms can be in a lot of places.  Most common are the aorta and the brain and also the most dangerous.  No symptoms is what makes it dangerous.
    When symptoms show, by then it is often too late.

    The abdominal aortic aneurysms and brain aneurysms are most often a result of athereosclerosis (hardening of arties), which comes about by consistent high blood pressure and years of smoking.

    But the kind that are genetic are in the ascending aorto (between the heart and the curve where the aorta heads toward the abdomen.  The genetic issues are varied but all part of a family called Connective Tissue Disorder. This includes syndromes like Marfans (Michael Phelps is checked every six months because he has Marfans characteristics...extemely tall, wingspan greater than height, flexible joints and often a dilated aorta).  People with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Type IV also have aortic dilations.  A normal aorta is about 2.5 cm.  Between 3 and 4 cm it is considered dilated. Over 4 cm is an aneurysm.  Because of all the deaths in our family, I started researching.  My sister died a few months before John Ritter did....and because of his death more articles were written about aortic disease.  I was checked and had the same thing. I knew this was more than coincidence.  The good news is when it is found, surgical repair is a remedy for most.  I had three inches of my aorta replaced with a dacron tube in 2005.   They use imaging (CT scans and ultrasound) to look for them.  In my case, with a family history, we did genetics testing and it seems our family has FAA (Familial Aortic Aneurysm).  Many of my cousins have been checked and over half have dilations so they can be watched.
    With brain aneurysms they are looking for genetic connects still, but they do know HBP is a factor....

    KNOWLEDGE is power and probably saved lives in our family.

    Parent

    Thanks so much for all this info (none / 0) (#117)
    by Josey on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 08:59:17 PM EST
    link for condolences (5.00 / 3) (#95)
    by CHDmom on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:48:53 PM EST
    Here is her online guestbook to send condolences
    http://tinyurl.com/69wnyf

    Terribly sad... (5.00 / 2) (#96)
    by Andy08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:50:01 PM EST


    Very nice (5.00 / 2) (#99)
    by Andy08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:58:39 PM EST
    video of Rep. tubbs Jones speaking at a HRC rally
    at The Confluence; here is the YouTube link

    Parent
    Here's one that's clearer, when she (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by andrys on Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 12:43:23 AM EST
    was backing the 2nd Chance Act of 2007

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHFW-ZKYK7k

    Very impassioned woman, who was very loyal.

    Parent

    Here's to STJ ... (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by RonK Seattle on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:52:54 PM EST
    ... and here's to "old politics".

    Carry on.

    Here's to Stephanie... (5.00 / 2) (#98)
    by Idunn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:56:25 PM EST
    Her courage, her wisdom, and her grace, will forever be an inspiration to many of us.

    I was very much hoping she would (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:01:26 PM EST
    pull through...was hoping for another miracle like Tim Johnson....may she rest in peace, cradled in her Father's arms...rest Harriet, rest...

    soooo sorry....so upset....rest, Stephanie, (none / 0) (#102)
    by PssttCmere08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:02:49 PM EST
    rest... :(

    Parent
    I am so sad about this. (5.00 / 2) (#101)
    by Lil on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:02:10 PM EST
    what a loss.

    A Sad Day For America (5.00 / 3) (#103)
    by flashman on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:11:45 PM EST


    Terrible (5.00 / 3) (#104)
    by chrisvee on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:19:33 PM EST
    What sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

    Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Statement (5.00 / 9) (#105)
    by JimWash08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:20:08 PM EST
    Statement of Former President William J. Clinton, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton on the Passing of Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

    There are few words to express the shock we feel at this time. Our deepest condolences are with Stephanie's son, Mervyn, her family, and her many loved ones, friends, and supporters.

    Stephanie's friendship meant the world to us, a friendship that deepened through every trial and challenge. We could always count on her to be a shoulder on which to lean, an ear to bend, a voice to reassure. Over the course of many years, with many ups and many downs, Stephanie was right by our side-unwavering, indefatigable.

    It was that fighting spirit-safely stowed behind her disarming smile, backed by so much integrity and fiery intelligence-that allowed Stephanie to rise from modest beginnings, to succeed in public service, to become a one-woman force for progress in our country.

    All of us who were lucky to know her and love her can only hope now to live like her-to be as passionate, loyal, hard charging, and joyful in life's pursuits.

    Stephanie was one of a kind. We will miss our friend always.

    Congresswoman Jones was one of Hillary's most loyal supporters and stuck through thick and thin with, and for her.

    She was at the RBC Meeting on May 31 and at her Campaign suspension speech on June 6.

    My thoughts right now of deep loss, and sympathies for her closest family and friends, incl. Hillary. She's lost 2 dear friends in less than a week.

    Those are thoughts and feelings that (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by JavaCityPal on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:47:41 PM EST
    can only come from deep inside the heart of true and loyal friends.

    Parent
    He has a notice up now. (none / 0) (#107)
    by nycstray on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:40:04 PM EST
    Tribute Video (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by JimWash08 on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:40:26 PM EST
    Someone made a really nice YouTube tribute video, with music and pictures of an ever-smiling and jovial Rep. Jones. (Music: All 4 One/Someday)

    Damn - this sucks! I loved her (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by nulee on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:43:48 PM EST
    even wishing her rest seems at odds with her roaring lovely self.  Why do we have to lose the ones we love?!

    I was so worried this morning when her office issued no updates.  Damn, this is so, so sad.

    John Kerry better get his Obama-endorsing ass out there and make a public statement because she campaigned SO hard for him - I can still see her on C-SPAN going   "Vaness-AHH   KEHHRYY!" at the rallies.  How lucky he was.

    Stephanie we love you - please come back!

    Kerry issued a teenie statement (none / 0) (#113)
    by Josey on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 08:01:51 PM EST
    For those who want to join us... (5.00 / 3) (#112)
    by Idunn on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 07:58:38 PM EST
    There is a group (under the name "STJ") on gratefulness.org where we lighting candles and sending up our love to Stephanie.

    Thank you for this (none / 0) (#122)
    by jen on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 11:14:59 PM EST
    Here's the LINK to the STJ group.

    Parent
    This is a true loss for progressivism and the Demo (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by jawbone on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 08:48:13 PM EST
    cratic Party. She was a strong, firm, true voice for the best principles of the party and the nation.

    I will miss her greatly.

    Prayers to Family (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by STLDeb on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 09:30:15 PM EST
    My prayers and condolensces (sp?) go out to her family, friends and constituents who she served for this sudden loss.

    My prayers to her friends and family. (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by theprosecutrix on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 09:31:28 PM EST
    You'll be missed, Rep. Jones.  RIP.

    I am just so sad (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by nell on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 10:10:04 PM EST
    I have admired STJ for awhile now, but I did not think I would become so emotional about this. I guess, as a young woman in a male dominated profession, I really saw her (along with Hillary Clinton) as a role model for how much women could achieve, even in a male-dominated world. She worked her way up with amazing joy and grace and she was so incredibly smart. And she was taken way too soon.

    The world has truly lost someone special today.

    RIP (none / 0) (#27)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:40:59 PM EST
    11 minutes ago
    UPDATE: US Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, 58, dies
    Akron Beacon Journal, OH -Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Ohio's first black woman to serve in Congress, died today after being hospitalized for an aneurysm. She was 58.


    Plain Dealer corrected original story (none / 0) (#34)
    by stxabuela on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:44:20 PM EST
    Now saying she's in critical condition as of 2:30 pm.  
    http://tinyurl.com/5e9hjm


    Terrible (none / 0) (#47)
    by Emma on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:53:11 PM EST


    jeralyn... (none / 0) (#48)
    by hilldemgoneindie on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 01:55:46 PM EST
    she's not dead yet according to the most recent news conference by her doctors. it's a little creepy to have r.i.p. as your headline before the fact. just sayin...

    stj is a strong woman - i'm praying for her recovery.

    This breaks my heart (none / 0) (#61)
    by suki on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:15:04 PM EST
    What a loss for her family and for all of us.
    Sad, sad day.

    you really should change the headline (none / 0) (#63)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:18:49 PM EST


    thanks (none / 0) (#66)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:34:32 PM EST
    hate to be a nag but it was creepy

    Parent
    Oh (none / 0) (#67)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 02:35:04 PM EST
    it doesn't sound good. Her family has my thoughts and prayers.

    Oh, I hope this is so (none / 0) (#77)
    by jen on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 03:12:11 PM EST
    Please, please, please still be alive, and feel the light and love streaming out from all over.

    Bad news: (none / 0) (#86)
    by seeker on Wed Aug 20, 2008 at 06:19:10 PM EST
    On its 4 PM PDT newscast NPR reported she had died.

    Rest in peace.