County Executive Kevin Kamenetz Dies At Age 60

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz died early Thursday morning at the age of 60. Authorities said he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Kamenetz awoke at his home in Owings Mills around 2 a.m. and said he felt ill, according to authorities.

He said he wanted to go to Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company and drove there with his wife, county officials said. He made a 911 call from the parking lot of the Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, which is about 2 miles from his home.

"Why he made that decision...I can't answer that question," Elise Armacost, spokeswoman for Baltimore County, said at a press conference on the death of Kamenetz.

Although he was alert and speaking at first, Armacost said his condition quickly deteriorated at the firehouse, where he collapsed and lost consciousness; he never regained consciousness.

Medics from the Garrison fire station picked him up at Chestnut Ridge and took him to St. Joseph Medical Center, where officials said he died at 3:22 a.m.

When he was at the hospital, Kamenetz was receiving CPR and was not responding at all, according to Chief Medical Officer for St. Joseph Medical Center Gail Cunningham, M.D.

There was approximately one hour between when he collapsed and when he was pronounced deceased, Cunningham said.

Kamenetz is survived by his wife, Jill, and two sons Karson and Dylan.

A funeral is planned for Friday, May 11.

SEE ALSO: Funeral Arrangements Announced For Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz

Kamenetz had been county executive in Baltimore County since 2010. Previously he served on the Baltimore County Council and was assistant state's attorney.

He was also running for governor.

Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered flags at half-staff until the day of interment.

"The First Lady and I are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," Hogan said.

"He was a dedicated public servant in Baltimore County for more than two decades, and we join with the citizens of Baltimore County and all Marylanders in mourning," Hogan said in a statement. "Our prayers go out to his wife, Jill, his sons Karson and Dylan, and to his entire family. In the difficult days to come, we will provide any support we possibly can to the Kamenetz family and the citizens of Baltimore County."

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This is a developing story and will be updated.

Image via Baltimore County Government.