State Rep. Julie Plawecki, D-Dearborn Heights, has died while hiking with a daughter in Oregon. She was 54.
State Sen. David Knezek, a fellow Democrat from Dearborn Heights, announced Plawecki's death late Saturday night on Facebook. House Minority Leader Tim Greimel released a statement Sunday saying the caucus was deeply saddened by her death. A spokeswoman for Greimel, Katie Carey, said Plawecki's family said she died of an apparent heart attack.
Plawecki was elected in 2014 and was unopposed in the August primary. Plawecki previously was a medical technologist and a teacher.
She is survived by her husband, Mark, a Wayne County district judge, and three adult daughters.
Gov. Rick Snyder said the state had lost a "fine and dedicated public servant" and described her passing as "a shock."
