Republican Ohio State representative Kris Jordan died Saturday aged 46 of natural causes, the Ohio House speaker announced.

Jordan, of Ostrander, served his third term as the state’s 60th District representative. He previously spent eight years in the Ohio Senate.

“Kris was a loving father, a man of faith, a leader, and a person I considered a very dear friend,” Speaker Jason Stephens said. “My heart goes out to Kris’s family, especially his three children and loving parents.”

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Flags at the Ohio statehouse and at all public buildings and grounds throughout Delaware County went half-staff. Gov. Mike DeWine said that he was “shocked and saddened” by what he called a “most unexpected loss.”

“Fran and I are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Representative Kris Jordan,” DeWine said in a statement. “We extend our sincerest condolences to his entire family for this most unexpected loss. Kris will be remembered for his expertise as a legislator and his advocacy for the people of Delaware County.”

Who was Kris Jordan?

Kris Jordan was an Ohio State University graduate who served two terms as a Delaware County commissioner and worked for Rep. Joan Lawrence and as a legislative aide to Rep. Jon Peterson. He was elected as a county commissioner at age 25 and went on to become a state representative in 2008, according to his biography.

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Jordan was a member of the Delaware County Farm Bureau, Hiram Masonic Lodge, the Delaware County Township Association and the County Commissioner Association of Ohio.

He and his wife, Melissa, had three children.

In July 2011, he was investigated for fourth degree domestic violence after an altercation with his wife in which she called 911 for help. He and his wife later divorced.