New Orleans mayor Latoya Cantrell's 'devoted husband' Jason dies aged 55 as his heartbroken daughter, 16, posts sweet family photos

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's 'devoted husband' has died aged 55, city officials have announced. 

Jason Cantrell was an attorney and the son of former New Orleans Criminal District Court Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell. The date and cause of his death have not been given.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 24 years and their daughter, RayAnn, who shared heart-warming family photographs on Instagram as she paid tribute to him Monday afternoon. 

She posted images of her father embracing her as a toddler, and a more recent family picture with the mayor in. 

News of his passing comes amid swirling rumors that his Democrat wife was having an affair behind his back - something she has denied. 

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's 'devoted husband' has died, city officials have announced. His date of death and the cause have not been given 

The couple's daughter, RayAnn, shared heart-warming family photographs on Instagram as she paid tribute to him Monday afternoon

The Cantrells tied the knot in September 1999 - they would have been married 24 years next month 

Insights into her personal life were revealed earlier this year through a police probe into officer Jeffrey Vappie. 

The cop was found spending time with the married mother-of-one at her grace and favor apartment in the exclusive French Quarter. 

Vappie's wife has since sued for divorce, alleging an affair dating back to 2021 - though Cantrell claims their relationship was 'strictly professional'. 

The City of Orleans announced her husband's death on Monday morning via communications director Gregory Joseph.  

'It is with great sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of First Gentleman Jason Cantrell,' Joseph said. 

'He was a devoted husband and father, as well as a dedicated public servant who valiantly served the residents of this city not only alongside Mayor Cantrell but also as an experienced family, civil and criminal attorney. 

'First Gentleman Cantrell will forever be missed and cherished by his beloved family, the legal community and the entire City of New Orleans. May he rest in God's eternal peace.

'Our love and prayers remain with Mayor Cantrell, their daughter RayAnn and the entire Cantrell family. 

'We ask that you please respect their privacy during this challenging time.'

The City of Orleans announced her husband's death on Monday morning via communications director Gregory Joseph. Pictured: Jason and LaToya Cantrell 

Jason Cantrell 'was a devoted husband and father, as well as a dedicated public servant who valiantly served the residents of this city not only alongside Mayor Cantrell but also as an experienced family, civil and criminal attorney', New Orleans City said in a statement 

Cantrell speaks during the CROWN Awards ceremony in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Hotel on July 3, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana 

According to Fox New Orleans, Vappie (pictured) spent 112 hours at Cantrell's apartment over a 27 day stretch, and was even seen watering her plants

Vappie and Cantrell are spotted walking together outside her stunning apartment in the French Quarter

In May 2018, California-born Cantrell was elected the first female mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana, in its 300-year history, and Jason served by her side as a public servant.

They would have been married 24 years next month, according to the mayor's social media post marking their 20th anniversary on September 4, 2019. 

Vice President of the New Orleans City Council Helena Moreno said officials are 'saddened and shocked' by the news of Jason's death. 

'We are all saddened and shocked by the loss of Jason Cantrell,' she said. 

'I, along with my entire staff, offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mayor Cantrell and her entire family on the passing of her husband.

'The Cantrell family has lost a father, a son, and spouse and I encourage all New Orleanians to lift the Mayor and her family up in prayer during this tragic and difficult time.'