Brigid Kelly, who resigned less than a week ago as Hamilton County’s auditor, succumbed to her battle with cancer on Tuesday, according to a statement from her family sent out by county officials.
She was 40 years old.
“We sadly report that our dear one, Brigid Kelly, passed on Tuesday evening at home,” the statement reads.
“She was surrounded by love and peace after waging a two-year battle with cancer. Brigid’s failing health necessitated her recent resignation as Hamilton County Auditor. She was a treasured wife, daughter and sister, a valued friend and a true public servant. Funeral services are pending.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval called Kelly an “irreplaceable kind of spirit.”
“You always knew she was there, that she cared,” Pureval wrote in a post on his Facebook page. “That she would do what it took to help. She was a person who gave of herself, with the sole goal of helping others.”
County Commission President Alicia Reece said she was heartbroken after hearing of Kelly’s death.
“We lost a champion for our citizens and a true public servant, way too soon,” Reece said.
was incredibly saddened to learn about the tragic passing of Brigid Kelly last night,” Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers said in a statement Wednesday morning.
“She was a dynamic young woman with a strong commitment to public service. She was a devoted and steadfast servant to our county and known for her graceful leadership. She displayed tremendous bravery in her fight with cancer these past two years. I offer my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this incredibly challenging time.”
Many in and around Hamilton County are mourning the death of former state representative and auditor Brigid Kelly.
Kelly died Tuesday after a two-year battle with cancer.
A statement from Kelly’s family, sent on behalf of the Hamilton County auditor’s office, said Kelly died at her home on Tuesday, surrounded by “love and peace.”
“She was a treasured wife, daughter and sister, a valued friend and a true public servant,” the statement from Kelly’s family said.
Kelly resigned from her position last week after two years of receiving treatment for Esophageal cancer.
Kelly served as county auditor since March 2023 before her resignation last week.
Many county officials and lawmakers, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, are offering their condolences and tributes to Kelly.
DeWine ordered flags to be lowered to honor Kelly’s life and legacy.
“Fran and I are saddened by the death of Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly. Brigid dedicated much of her career to public service, first as a Norwood City Councilwoman, then as a State Representative and then as Hamilton County Auditor. Like many who worked with her, I knew Brigid to be cordial, collaborative, and willing to work with both parties to help advance the interests of Ohioans. Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Brigid’s husband, Steve, and her entire family,” DeWine said in a statement.
Sen. Sherrod Brown also paid tribute to Kelly’s life and legacy in public service.
“Today is a tough day for everyone who was lucky enough to know Brigid Kelly. A strong voice for workers and families in Southwest Ohio, Brigid never stopped fighting for the dignity of work & for all Ohioans. She was taken from us far too soon. Connie & I will miss her dearly,” Brown said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Commissioner Alicia Reece released a statement regarding Kelly’s passing.
“I am heartbroken with the news of the passing of Auditor Brigid Kelly. We lost a champion for the citizens and a true public servant way too soon. Please keep the Kelly family in your prayers. I have asked the County Administrator to have the flags flown at half-staff on all county-owned buildings in honor of County Auditor Brigid Kelly,” Reece said.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers released a statement following Kelly’s passing.
“I was incredibly saddened to learn about the tragic passing of Brigid Kelly last night. She was a dynamic young woman with a strong commitment to public service. She was a devoted and steadfast servant to our county and known for her graceful leadership. She displayed tremendous bravery in her fight with cancer these past two years. I offer my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this incredibly challenging time,” Powers said in a statement.
Brigid Kelly, the Hamilton County Auditor who recently stepped down due to health issues, has passed away.
It was announced that she had passed away at her home on Tuesday, according to a release from the Hamilton County Auditor’s Office.
Kelly was surrounded by love and peace throughout her two-year battle with cancer.
She recently resigned from her position due to her failing health.