NASCHITTI, N.M. (AP) - Navajo Nation officials say a tribal lawmaker has died.
Steven Begay represented a handful of communities in northwestern New Mexico on the Navajo Nation Council.
The tribe says the 43-year-old died Thursday. He lived in Naschitti with his wife and two children.
Council Speaker LoRenzo Bates said Friday his office will not release any other information until an investigation is complete.
Bates called Begay a dear friend and said he and his colleagues are processing how to move forward.
Officials called on Navajo citizens to pray for Begay and his family.
Begay served on the council’s Health, Education and Human Services Committee. He previously worked in historic preservation for the tribe.
Navajo President Russell Begaye says the lawmaker often used tradition to guide his decisions on the council.
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