Hefin David, the Welsh Labour Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, has died, aged 47.
In a statement, Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan said: “We are extremely saddened by the sudden death of Hefin.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.
“Hefin was a much-loved member of the Labour family. He served Caerphilly as a councillor and a member of the Senedd with pride and passion.
“He was an outstanding politician, warm and enthusiastic and a great communicator – especially on behalf of his constituents. He will be greatly missed.”
Gwent Police said a 47-year-old man was found unresponsive at a property in the Caerphilly county area on Tuesday evening.
Paramedics attended and confirmed the man had died. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Mr David, calling him “a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant”.
“Our hearts are with his family and those who knew and loved him at this painful time,” he added.
Mr David was born in the Caerphilly constituency.
He was elected to Caerphilly County Borough Council at a by-election in March 2007.
He worked as a senior lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, teaching human resource management and professional practice to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
In 2016, he was elected as Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly – succeeding Labour’s Jeff Cuthbert, who became police and crime commissioner for Gwent.
Gwent Police Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: “My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all of Hefin’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time for them.”
