Gwen Casten (17 years old), the daughter of Illinois Rep. Sean Casten, has died, Casten’s office confirmed.
Casten’s office shared a brief statement on Twitter Monday night confirming that Gwen (17, Casten’s beloved daughter) has died.
It stated that the Casten family requested privacy and that it would not comment further during its heartbreaking time.
Casten’s office didn’t provide any details about Gwen Casten’s death.
Gwen Casten was recently seen in a campaign video in support of her father’s bid to win a third term in Congress.
The video was released earlier in the month. She spoke about how 18 would be a big year filled with “lots milestones,” including voting for the first time. Not just for everyone.
“Sean Casten. My Congressman. She called him father, but I don’t know why,” she stated in the video. In it, she praised her father for his efforts to reform gun laws and protect abortion access.
Casten, a Democrat represents Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. According to his campaign website, he was elected for the first time in 2018 and is the first Democrat to be elected to the district in almost 50 years.
Casten’s family received many words of support and tributes in response to the announcement by his office.
In a tweet, Bob Morgan, Illinois State Representative wrote that “This is terrible beyond words.” “I am thinking of you and your family and praying for strength and courage in these difficult times.” Gwen’s memories will be a blessing for us all.
