GA House Chairman Of Rules Committee Jay Powell Died At Retreat

GEORGIA — Georgia House of Representatives Chairman of Rules Committee Jay Powell (R-Camilla) died Monday after he collapsed while attending a House Republican caucus leadership retreat, multiple outlets are reporting.

A letter sent Tuesday to House members from Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) announced the news, GPB News reported.

"At this time of heartbreak, we take solace in the fact that our brother is now with our Lord Jesus Christ," Ralston wrote. "We lift up his wife Deidra and his beloved family. We pray for God's mercies and comfort for them."

Powell, 67, was first sworn in on Jan. 12, 2009. He was a member of multiple committees, including Appropriations, Governmental Affairs, Judiciary and Judiciary Non-Civil. He was also the chairman of the Rules committee.

In 2016, Powell was named to "Georgia Trend's" "100 Most Influential Georgians" list for his work as chairman of that committee, which he said at the time made him humbled and proud, GPB reported.

"As a state representative, I am a public servant, and to be recognized for positively impacting the lives of Georgians is truly a great honor,” Powell said in a 2016 press release, GPB reported.

Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted that, "Chairman Powell was a trusted public servant and bold leader who made a big impact in his community and the state of Georgia as a whole. Please join us in praying for Jay's family, loved ones, and fellow lawmakers as they mourn his sudden passing."