Medical officials say former Missouri state representative Cora Faith Walker’s cause of death was due to a heart disease. First reported by KSDK, St. Louis Medical Examiner Michael Graham says Walker died of a heart condition known as nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Graham explained the condition as a disease of the heart muscle, one that usually affects older people with high blood pressure, but he said that Walker did not have high blood pressure.
Walker died the morning of March 11 at 37 years old. She died in a hotel after attending Mayor Tishaura Jones' birthday party the night before. Speculation followed after news of her death broke, with rumors involving drug use, but Graham tells KSDK that is not the case.
“There were prescription medications in her system that were all expected to be there in the amounts we would expect to see,” Graham says to KSDK. “There were no illicit substances found.”
The heart condition essentially short-circuited Walker’s heart, Graham tells KSDK, causing an arrhythmia.
The RFT has reached out to the Medical Examiner’s office for comment and will update this post when we hear back.
Walker was chief policy officer for St. Louis County at the time of her death, and a reproductive rights and healthcare advocate. She was mourned by the mayor, U.S. Representative Cori Bush, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and much of the St. Louis community following her passing. She is survived by her husband and pets.
"Cora Faith Walker's enduring legacy continues to be embodied through the life and service of those she loved and those who loved and knew her," her obituary reads.
Cora Faith Walker's family released a statement on April 28. Here it is in its entirety:
Cora Faith Walker dedicated her life's work to public service, social justice, women's reproductive rights, and health equity access. She was a strident advocate and bravely stood in solidary with victims of sexual assault and sexual violence. St Louis and Missouri citizens have lost an ardent advocate who approached her public service in the interest of the public good and public trust.
The Walker and Drew Family extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Saint Louis Coroner, Police, Fire and EMT services professionals. We extend our gratitude to the good Samaritans who attempted to provide medical assistance and comfort as Cora Faith experienced a medical trauma.
We once again issue our call for the community to remain committed and devoted to continuing Cora Faith's work.
Note: This article has been updated with Cora Faith Walker's family statement.
