State Rep. Julie Plawecki dies at 54

State Rep. Julie Plawecki, a first-term Democrat from Dearborn Heights, died from a heart attack while hiking in Oregon.

She was 54 years old.

Plawecki was running for re-election, unopposed in the Democratic primary  in August.

She represented the state's 11th district, which covers Dearborn Heights, Inkster, Garden City, as well as parts of Livonia and Westland.

"The family's devastated (as well as) all of us as friends," said Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko. "She's a great woman, a great friend, did a great job as a state representative. I don't know what more to say. We're just completely in shock." leaves behind a husband of 25 years and three daughters.

House Minority Leader Tim Greimel released a statement Sunday saying the caucus was deeply saddened by her death. A spokeswoman for Greimel, Katie Carey, said Plawecki's family said she died of an apparent heart attack.

Plawecki was elected in 2014 and was unopposed in the August primary. Plawecki previously was a medical technologist and a teacher.

She is survived by her husband, Mark, a Wayne County district judge, and three adult daughters.

Gov. Rick Snyder said the state had lost a "fine and dedicated public servant" and described her passing as "a shock."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.