LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Attorney Danny Alvarez, 43, has passed away one day after winning the primary election for Jefferson County District Judge, according to his campaign manager, Jonathan Hurst. Alvarez collapsed and was taken to Baptist East hospital where he died.
"Today our Community has lost Danny Alvarez, a true public servant, a humanitarian, and a champion for human rights and the immigrant community. Danny Alvarez was a true friend, a loving husband and a devoted father of three. Danny spent the day humbled and grateful to this community after his historic victory last night. He would want us to honor his memory by showing compassion and love to all people. The family asks for space and love during these difficult times,” Hurst said in a statement.
The photo below was taken by Hurst at a celebratory lunch just hours before Alvarez passed.
Many in the community are already reacting to the heartbreaking news.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer tweeted," So saddened by the passing of Danny Alvarez. He was a tireless advocate for justice, a vessel of hope and inspiration for so many. I am grateful to have known him. Prayers for his family and friends. Descansa en paz."
Judge Derwin Webb said, "There are times like today that remind us that tomorrow is never promised and what may seem to be a big deal is small when taken into perspective. Danny Alvarez was more than just an attorney. He was a GOOD man. And he will be dearly missed by all that loved and admired him."
Judge Gina Kay Calvert said," Our legal community is devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of our friend, Danny Alvarez. He was an honorable man and would have been an honorable judge. Our prayers go out to his beautiful family."
Judge Lauren Adams Ogden said,” The news of Danny Alvarez's sudden passing, the day after his historic primary win, is beyond devastating. It's the absolute worst news I've ever heard, other than my own daughter's cancer diagnosis. When you run alongside another candidate, especially one as giving and friendly as Danny, you become family and bonded forever. Some weeks on the campaign trail we would see more of each other than our own family. We were just texting this morning our congratulations to each other. My husband was often mistaken for Danny due to their physical similarities, and we would always laugh about that. I miss him already.”
Reverend David Sanchez of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Butchertown is Alvarez’s pastor. Sanchez told WHAS11 News that he was with Alvarez and friends late into the night on election night after Alvarez’s victory. They talked about life.
Sanchez said, “He was amazing. What a beautiful life. Everyone was a friend to him. He believed in justice for everyone. When he left he said to me, ‘You are not my priest. You are my brother.’"
Sanchez said on the morning after the primary, the attorney was in church in Butchertown at 11 a.m. Reverend Sanchez told us Alvarez leaves behind his wife and three young children.
On his website, Alvarez says he started his legal career with the Jefferson County Public Defenders Office before starting his own practice in 2003.
In 2014, he was voted ‘Top Lawyer’ by Louisville Magazine.
Check back for updates on this developing story.