The current US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, mourned the shocking loss of his predecessor soon after news of her death was reported.

He said: "We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, US Attorney Jessica Aber. She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.

"We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all-too-brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace and legal acumen set the standard."

The attorney continued: "Each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard."

"Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career," Siebert said. "She loved EDVA, and EDVA loved her back. We remain committed to her life's work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted."