An Ohio state lawmaker who represented southwest Ohio has died unexpectedly during the Legislature's summer recess.
State Rep. Terry Blair, a third-term Republican from Montgomery County, was running for re-election this fall.
House Speaker William Batchelder made the announcement about Thursday's death of the 67-year-old Blair, who chaired the House State and Local Government Committee. Batchelder's office said Blair was battling an illness, according to his family.
A legislative biography says Blair served as a trustee in Washington Township for 21 years before heading to the Statehouse. He also served as chief financial officer of Buckeye Pools.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, four children and eight grandchildren. A cause of death was not immediately released.
According to Blair's bio, he was serving his third term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represented the 42nd House District, which includes southern portions of Montgomery County.