Alice Stewart dead aged 58: Devastated CNN colleagues mourn 'wonderful' political commentator after sudden death

The devastated CNN colleagues of Alice Stewart have paid tribute to the political commentator following her sudden death at the age of 58.

Stewart's body was found outdoors in the Bellevue neighborhood of Virginia early on Saturday morning after suffering a 'medical emergency'.

Police say no foul play was suspected and officials believe Stewart suffered a medical episode. No further information about the cause of death was revealed.

Stewart's colleagues, from the news network and the Republican party, have taken to social media to share warm tributes following her shock death.

CNN anchor Jim Acosta said: 'My heart is broken over the passing of our dear colleague Alice Stewart. We've been friends going back to the 2012 campaign. Alice was my friend and I loved her. RIP.'

Political commentator Alice Stewart who more recently appeared as an analyst on CNN after working for several Republican presidential campaigns, died suddenly at the age of 58

Stewart was pictured, left, on her own Instagram account on Friday alongside Wolf Blitzer and Maria Cardona, right, writing 'It's always a sunny day when you can join the great Wolf Blitzer' 

CNN staffers including Jim Acosta, Jake Tapper and Kaitlan Collins shared their shock at the news

Stewart was pictured on her own Instagram account on Friday, writing: 'It's always a sunny day when you can join the great Wolf Blitzer.'

She appeared to lead a relatively healthy lifestyle and only last month posted photos of her taking part in a 10 mile run, nicknamed the Cherry Blossom run, in Washington D.C.

CNN's Jessica Dean broke the news about their own political commentator just before 5:30pm on Saturday evening.

'We have some very sad news to report to you and I am very sorry that I have to tell you this. CNN commentator and Republican political strategist Alice Stewart has passed away,' Dean said, tearing up.

'Many of you knew her. She has been a staple on this network participating in many political panels bringing us deep insight into politics. You'll remember she was a former communications director for Senator Ted Cruz. She worked with Rick Santorum, Michelle Bachman to name a few,' she said, choking back tears.

'Alice and I both got our start in Arkansas television in local news. I was coming up as an intern. As we both made our way to CNN she was always there with an encouraging smile or a text as I climbed up the ladder here,' Dean explained.

'I am stunned and saddened by the news of Alice Stewart's passing. She was a political pro and a wonderfully nice person to just have a conversation with on any topic. I will miss Alice and will pray for her family,' former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wrote

Stewart is seen alongside Jon Stewart (no relation)

Stewart also posted a photo of her working at Sirius XM on Friday morning to her social media

CNN lead anchor, Wolf Blitzer paid his own tribute to Stewart. 'Personally, I will miss her very much and am very sad to hear this news. She brought us all so much information and insight. She was such a valuable piece of the team here at CNN.'

'We are all processing this news as it was so sudden,' Blitzer added. 'We always invited her to come on my show because we knew we would be a little bit smarter at the end of that conversation,' he said.

CNN staffers shared their shock at learning of Stewart's death on social media.

Alyssa Farah said: 'Gutted over this news. Alice Stewart was smart, savvy, funny & most importantly kind. She felt like she was from another era - a more decent one where we [could] disagree respectfully.

'She was kind to me when I was in a low place & I'll never forget it. Sending love to those closest to her.'

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wrote: 'I am stunned and saddened by the news of Alice Stewart's passing.

'She was a political pro and a wonderfully nice person to just have a conversation with on any topic. I will miss Alice and will pray for her family.'

Stewart is seen alongside former CNN anchor Don Lemon who regularly appeared on his show

Lemon shared pictures of Stewart's dog when she visited the CNN set of his show

Those in the world of politics also shared their shock at hearing of Stewart's death

CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins added: 'Just devastating news about our colleague Alice Stewart. She will always be remembered by her kindness above all.'

Fellow colleague Jake Tapper said: 'Horrible news about our beloved and gifted commentator Alice Stewart. Just awful. We are all gutted.'

'A stunning loss for the CNN family', wrote national security and law enforcement reporter Josh Campbell. 'Looking through all of my past messages with Alice. It's 99.99% HER cheerleading OTHERS and building us up! Notes out of the blue just to say 'great job' on this topic or that. Such an incredibly kind soul. God bless her memory.

'I am turned inside out at this tragic news. As many know, Alice & I were like sisters from opposite ends of the political aisle. We debated but w respect. I will miss her dearly but seems God needed some top-notch communications help. RIP beautiful friend,' wrote Democrat political strategist, Maria Cardona.

'Alice Stewart was a woman's woman who brought kindness and support along with smarts and expertise. I met her in Iowa in 2007 covering the Huckabee presidential campaign and worked with her in politics before I got to call her a CNN colleague. I can't believe she's gone,' said CNN anchor Dana Bash.

'The last time I saw Alice she brought her beloved Sammie to see me at work. We texted often. Her last text to me was to thank me for something I said to her. She complimented me on my wardrobe. I was touched when she gifted me a pair of her dad's cuff links & a tie holder,' former CNN anchor Don Lemon posted.

'We shared a love of dogs. We argued on tv but never in real life. She always had a soft heart and kind words every time we connected. I'll miss you, along with many others whose lives you touched. Rest in peace.'

'Alice was a very dear friend and colleague to all of us at CNN,' Mark Thompson, the network's CEO, said in an email to staff on Saturday.

'A political veteran and an Emmy Award winning journalist who brought an incomparable spark to CNN's coverage, known across our bureaus not only for her political savvy, but for her unwavering kindness. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn such an extraordinary loss.'

Stewart came on board CNN as a political commentator before the 2016 election and frequently appeared on air to provide insight on the political news of the day. She last appeared only yesterday on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

Stewart told the Harvard Political Review in 2020 that she brings 'a perspective that I think CNN appreciates.'

CNN anchor Dana Bash, seen center, paid tribute to Stewart, seen right of her

Stewart took part in a 10 mile run, nicknamed the Cherry Blossom run, in Washington D.C. last month

'My position at CNN is to be a conservative voice yet an independent thinker,' Stewart said. 'I´m not a Kool-Aid drinker; I´m not a never-Trumper, and I didn´t check my common sense and decency at the door when I voted for (Trump).'

Stewart also co-hosted the podcast Hot Mics from Left to Right alongside fellow CNN commentator Maria Cardona and served on the senior advisory committee at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's Kennedy School where she was previously a fellow.

In her free time, Stewart was an avid runner. She frequently posted photos from road races on social media, including from the TCS New York City Marathon, which she ran in November, and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race, which she ran last month.

Stewart was born on March 11, 1966, in Atlanta and began her career as a local reporter and producer in Georgia before securing a promotion as a news anchor in Little Rock, Arkansas.

She later moved into public relations becoming communications director for then Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee's office and fronting his presidential run in 2008.

In 2012, Stewart served as the communications director for the presidential campaigns of former Minnesota Rep. Michelle Bachmann and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.

During his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, she was the communications director for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.

Stewart, right, is seen at last months White House Correspondents Dinner in the makeup room

Stewart is seen alongside legendary newsman Peter Jennings when she worked for KARK-TV  in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2004

Stewart was highly regarded by her CNN colleagues who were devastated at the news

In the world of politics there was similar shock followed by admiration for Stewart's work.

'Heartbreaking,' Cruz posted on Saturday to X. 'Alice was wonderful and talented and a dear friend. And she loved America fiercely. She lived every day to the fullest, and she will be deeply missed. May God's comfort and peace be upon her loved ones. RIP.'

Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson posted on X that Stewart's 'sudden death is such a loss to all who valued her friendship as well as her political passion'

'I first met Alice in Arkansas and I am proud that she focused on making friends in politics and not making enemies,' he posted. 'Thank you Alice Stewart!'

'Alice was just about the nicest person you'd ever hope to meet, deeply committed to improving civil discourse, and passionate about bringing better representation for middle American conservatives to elite corridors. RIP, Alice. You will be missed,' Scott Jennings wrote.