Victorian Labor senator Kimberley Kitching has died at the age of 52. Passing away suddenly in Strathmore, a suburb in Melbourne, Kitching is thought to have passed due to a heart attack.

ABC reports that Kitching felt unwell as she drove the commute between two meetings. Kitching reportedly pulled over, and called her husband, Andrew Landeryou.

“An ambulance was called but she could not be resuscitated and died near to where her vehicle was parked,” reported ABC.

Australian Opposition leader Anthony Albanese released a statement about the passing of Kitching, calling her “our friend and colleague”.

“All of us in the Labor family are in shock tonight at the sudden death of our friend and colleague, senator Kimberley Kitching,” Mr Albanese said.

“Kimberley had such a larger-than-life personality that it is tragic that her bright light has gone out far too early.

“Our thoughts now are now with her family and all who loved her, especially her husband Andrew.”

Former Opposition leader Bill Shorten spoke on Today, on March 11, saying Kitching was the person everyone wanted “in the foxhole with them”.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also released a statement about Kitching’s passing, calling it a “deep and terrible shock”.

Morrison shared “I came to greatly respect the way Senator Kitching approached the issues.”

Former Opposition leader Bill Shorten shared on Today that Kitching was the person everyone “wanted in the fox hole with them”.

Shorten also shared a heartfelt Facebook post about the sad loss of Kitching:

Kitching’s final post on Facebook was on the same day she passed, sharing that her “thoughts were with those in New South Wales and Queensland who have lost their homes, businesses, loved ones.”

This is the third major loss due to heart attack that Australia has suffered in recent days, with cricketing legends Shane Warne passing away on March 4, 2022, and Rod Marsh passing away on March 4, 2022.