People all around Maryland were shocked to wake up Thursday morning and find out that Baltimore County Executive, Kevin Kamenetz, had died of a heart attack.
Officials said the 60-year-old died at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. According to a news releasefrom county officials, Kamenetz woke up at 2 a.m. in his Owings Mills home complaining of feeling ill. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:22 a.m.
RELATED: Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz dies of a heart attack
Many have sent their thoughts and prayers to Kamenetz's family through Twitter:
We will keep the family and friends of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
— Baltimore Fire (@BaltimoreFire) May 10, 2018
A parochial politician he was not. He understood the bigger picture, and I always appreciated our conversations. RIP Kevin Kamenetz
— Kevin Davis (@CommishKDavis) May 10, 2018
Prayers for the family and friends of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Shocking and sad news. https://t.co/cDKVUzbc0m
— T.J. Smith (@TJSmithMedia) May 10, 2018
The First Lady and I are shocked and grieved by the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Our prayers go out to his family and many loved ones this morning.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) May 10, 2018
while advocating for all Marylanders in his pursuit to be governor. Our hearts go out to his wife Jill and their two sons, and the many who cherished his friendship, easy smile and determined spirit.
— Mayor Catherine Pugh (@MayorPugh50) May 10, 2018
WMAR-2 News also spoke with Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh about her reaction to this tragic death.
She says working with Kamenetz was always bridging the gap between Baltimore City and Baltimore County and was always smiling. She continued to say that she always saw him and his family at Baltimore City events and that Baltimore County lost a great leader.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:
Governor Hogan has also made an official statement about Kamenetz:
“The First Lady and I are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
He was a dedicated public servant in Baltimore County for more than two decades, and we join with the citizens of Baltimore County and all Marylanders in mourning.
Our prayers go out to his wife, Jill, his sons Karson and Dylan, and to his entire family. In the difficult days to come, we will provide any support we possibly can to the Kamenetz family and the citizens of Baltimore County.”
Valerie Ervin, who was his running mate for the Governor's race also shared her thoughts:
“Like so many, I am shocked and heartbroken by this sudden and unexpected loss. I want to thank those across Maryland for their outpouring of support, sympathy, and gratitude during this difficult time.
Kevin was first and foremost a loving husband to his wife Jill and a proud father to Karson and Dylan. And he was a dedicated, bold leader who served the people of Baltimore County for over 20 years. I have been honored to call him a friend and partner.
Today all of Maryland mourns with his family, friends, and loved ones."
And the condolences are coming from officials all over the state. Ben Jealous, the former National President and CEO of the NAACP said, "I'm incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. He dedicated his life to public service, to making a difference and he helped to move Maryland forward. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with Jill and their two sons."
A Homewood Professor at Johns Hopkins University said he was a dedicated official that worked for the good of Baltimore County:
"Like so many Marylanders, I mourn the death of Kevin Kamenetz. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to his family and his constituents on this shocking loss.
Kevin was a dedicated leader working for the good of all of Baltimore County.
I so enjoyed working with him as a senator on everything from jobs to infrastructure – Social Security jobs at Woodlawn, the revitalization of Sparrow’s Point, the Red Line, or career education for our many young people.
He was a tireless advocate who worked closely with the Maryland delegation for the people of Baltimore County."
The Ravens President, Dick Cass, mentioned how Kamenetz got things done:
“This is stunningly sad news, and our hearts reach out to his wife Jill and teenage sons Karson and Dylan. Kevin is remembered as a champion for Baltimore County. His passion to help those who live and work here was sincere and impressive. He got things done.
Kevin rooted for the Ravens. He brought his family to training camp each year, and he was sincerely interested in our team. Our deepest sympathy and our prayers go out to Kevin’s family.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) explained how Kamenetz advocated for the marginalized communities, "County Executive Kamenetz was a long-time leader and dedicated public servant who steadfastly advocated for Baltimore County’s most vulnerable and marginalized communities,” said CAIR Director for Maryland Outreach Zainab Chaudry. “He was a friend of the Muslim community, and our prayers go out to his family as we join Baltimore County and the entire state of Maryland in honoring his memory.”
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, Joe Bartenfelder, talked about how him and Kamenetz were close and worked together for 16 years:
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of my former colleague, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.
Kevin and I served together on the Baltimore County Council for 16 years, and I will remember him as a hardworking, dedicated public servant.
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife, Jill, and their two boys.”
Maryland Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Matthews shared her statement as well about the tragic death:
“All of us at the Maryland Democratic Party are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Kevin Kamenetz, and today our condolences go out to his wife Jill, their two sons, his running mate Valerie Ervin, and his staff as they mourn the loss of a husband, father and mentor.
County Executive Kamenetz devoted his life to public service and spent his entire career fighting to improve the lives of Marylanders as a Young Democrat, prosecutor, councilman, county executive, and candidate for governor. He put every ounce of energy and discipline he had into serving his constituents in Baltimore County, and he would have been a great governor. Maryland families lost one of their best champions this morning.”
And the Maryland Republican Party Chair, Dirk Haire, said, "We are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz this morning. We thank him for his service to all of the residents of Baltimore County over the past 24 years as a County Councilman and County Executive. We extend our condolences to his wife Jill, sons Dylan and Karson, and all of his friends and family at this tragic time."
The American Heart Associate of Maryland not only sent a statement, but also a picture of Kamenetz before his death:
Mr. Kamenetz was a strong supporter of the American Heart Association, working alongside our Government Relations Director Michaeline Fedder for many years. They are pictured here at last week’s Healthy Vending Executive Order Signing. (Michaeline is directly to his left)
Jim Shea, a candidate for Governor who was supposed to run against Kamenetz said, "Kevin Kamenetz’s passing is a tremendous loss for Maryland. He was a dedicated public servant, and I considered him a friend. My heart goes out to Jill and his family, along with his many friends and staff.”
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings also sent his condolences and said, "Kevin Kamenetz was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to better Baltimore County and our state. I am saddened to learn of his passing, and cannot help but think of all the work he still wanted to accomplish. I will miss his fighting spirit for his constituents and his drive to push our community forward. My deepest condolences to his wife and children.”
Congressman John K. Delaney talked about how Kamenetz was a tireless public servant:
“April and I are deeply saddened by the news of County Executive Kamenetz’s passing. Kevin was a tireless public servant and a champion for the Baltimore area and his constituents. Our condolences and prayers go out to Jill, their two sons, and the entire Kamenetz family.”
Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger said that both politicians shared similar career paths and were close friends:
“I was shocked and incredibly saddened to hear the news this morning of Kevin’s passing. None of us know when the moment might come, but for Kevin, it was way too soon. He had so much more to offer and was in the prime of his career.
Some might say that Kevin was his own brand. But I was proud to call him my friend always. He was exceptionally smart, extremely principled and always did what he felt was in the best interest of his community.
He did a tremendous job as Baltimore County Executive over the last eight years, making historic investments in the basics of good government, like public safety and education – and doing it all without raising tax rates. He held regular roundtables with all of the former county executives, both Republican and Democrat. He wanted to hear different perspectives and opinions from those of us who have been in his shoes. I admired that and looked forward to our lively discussions.
But Kevin was a lot more than a hard-working politician. He was an involved dad, a dedicated husband and a loyal friend. My heart is broken for his wife, Jill, and their two sons, Karson and Dylan. I’m asking all of my constituents to join me in prayers for his family in the difficult days ahead.”
And in addition to state officials, fellow county executives also chimed in on this tragic loss.
Harford County Executive, Barry Glassman, has ordered all flags in the county to fly at half-staff on Friday in Kamenetz's honor. He also made the following statement:
“I am saddened by the loss of my fellow county executive in local government Kevin Kamenetz. We share a long history in local government and most recently as Board members for the Maryland Association of Counties where he served as President in 2017. As a member of Maryland’s Big 7 counties, he was always interested in ways we could help each other and our regions as partners. Harford County’s hearts and prayers go out to his family and host of statewide supporters.”
Howard County Executive, Allan Kittleman says that he was stunned by the news:
"This morning we are all stunned and shocked by the news of the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Kevin was a hard-working, dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to make Baltimore County a better place.
I got to know him well when I served with him on the Executive Board of the Maryland Association of Counties. We may have come from different counties and different political parties, but he always promoted the strengths of our entire region.
Please keep his wife, Jill, their two sons, and his entire family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Anne Arundel County Executive, Steve Schuh, said, "I am shocked and incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. His passion for public service and commitment to helping people set an incredible example for all of us who serve in local government. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
Thoughts and prayers are also coming from Baltimore County, where many officials say he will be missed.
President of the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen's Association, Glenn C. Resnick, and says he will miss his leadership and support:
On behalf of all the members of the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen's Association, we are in shock & deeply saddened on the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. We express our heartfelt condolences to his wife Jill, their two sons and the residents of Baltimore County. County Executive Kamenetz was an ardent supporter of first responders and was a frequent guest at many of our volunteer fire and EMS company banquets and events across the county. As President of the BCVFA, I have worked closely with the County Executive on many issues for the last 5 years and know his leadership and support will be greatly missed.
Baltimore County Schools Interim Superintendent, Verletta White, thanked Kamenetz for all the dedication to the children of Baltimore County Schools, "First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. We are saddened and shocked by the news. Kevin was a tireless supporter of Baltimore County Public Schools, and I am thankful for his commitment and dedication to the children of Baltimore County.”
