Baltimore County Executive and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kevin Kamenetz has died following a cardiac arrest, according to multiple reports.
He was 60.
Baltimore County officials said Kamenetz woke up in his Owings Mills home at 2 a.m. and felt sick.
At a press conference this afternoon, Elise Armacost, director of public affairs for the Baltimore County Fire Department, said Kamenetz called 911 himself from the parking lot of the Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, roughly two miles from his house.
Two of the volunteers came out to meet him and brought him inside to start offering care. Inside his heart stopped beating and he lost consciousness.
The volunteers began administering CPR and attempted to defibrillate the county executive. They restored a pulse, but his condition soon deteriorated again. Kamenetz was taken to the University of Maryland St. Joseph’s Medical Center, where was pronounced dead at 3:22 a.m.
Kamenetz is survived by his wife, Jill, and two sons, Karson and Dylan.
He was first elected to the Baltimore County Council in 1994 and went on to serve four terms. He won the county executive seat in 2010 and was reelected in 2014.
County Administrative Officer Fred Homan is serving as acting county executive until a new one is appointed by the Baltimore County Council to serve out Kamenetz’s term.
On social media, politicians from across the state were mourning his sudden death.
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
In a full statement, Hogan said: “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, the former Montgomery County Council member Kamenetz had picked to be his running mate in the primary, released the following statement: “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.”
Shocked and incredibly saddened to hear the news of the death of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to his wife Jill, his two young sons, and all of his family and loved ones.
— Brian Frosh, Attorney General of Maryland (@BrianFrosh) May 10, 2018
Genuine shock and sadness on the passing of my friend Kevin Kamenetz. Prayers to his wife Jill and the entire Kamenetz family.
— Doug Gansler (@DougGansler) May 10, 2018
At most forums, @kevinkamenetz and I were seated next to eachother because seating is usually alphabetical.
I’ll always remember him for the grace and good humor he showed each of his fellow candidates as we’d line up backstage waiting to for the event to begin.
— Ben Jealous (@BenJealous) May 10, 2018
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 BCPS and I am thankful for his commitment and dedication to the children of Baltimore County.
— Verletta White (@VerlettaWhite) 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
The prayers of @PrinceGeorgesMD are with our neighbors in @BaltimoreCoMD & the family and friends of CE Kevin Kamenetz. Sad, shocking news.
— Rushern L. Baker III (@CountyExecBaker) May 10, 2018
Public service can be extemely stressful and sometimes thankless, not only for those who are elected but also their love ones. My heart and prayers go out to Jill Kamenentz and Kevin’s two sons. @kevinkamenetz thank you for your service, rest in peace.
— Nick J. Mosby (@Nick_Mosby) May 10, 2018
Nearly every time I had a conversation with @kevinkamenetz, he would find a way to tell me, “Make sure you find time for your kids.” He loved politics, but man he loved his children and family so much more. I’m going to miss his advice on being a good dad while in elected office.
— Bill Ferguson (@SenBillFerg) May 10, 2018
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.
— Jim Shea (@SheaforMD) May 10, 2018
I’m shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Kevin Kamenetz. One of the unexpected joys of this campaign had been getting to know Kevin’s wonderful wit and humor. His perspective and dedication will be missed. My sympathies go out to Jill and his entire family.
— Rich Madaleno (@RichMadaleno) May 10, 2018
Stunned and saddened to hear about the County Executive’s unexpected passing. Thinking of his family and staff during this incredibly difficult time and grateful for his dedicated service to our state. May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/xrO3HuTLxo
— Brooke Lierman (@BrookeELierman) May 10, 2018
Kevin was one of the hardest working public servants I’ve ever met. He fought tirelessly for all of us, rebuilding crumbling schools, creating jobs, protecting Dreamers, and making us all feel welcome at Lake Roland Park. His passing is a loss for all Marylanders.
— Krish O’Mara Vignarajah (@KrishVignarajah) May 10, 2018
I am deeply saddened by the sudden death of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. My heart is with his family and the entire Baltimore County community. Kevin dedicated himself to our community and his good works are all around us. He will be deeply missed.
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) May 10, 2018
Kevin Kamenetz was an energetic public servant who cared about making a difference for those he served. MD and I both just lost a friend.
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) May 10, 2018
The passing of Kevin’s Kamenetz is shocking and humbling news. Taking a minute to sit with this and place my thoughts with all those whose lives he touched.
— Ryan Dorsey (@ElectRyanDorsey) May 10, 2018
This morning we are all stunned and shocked by the news of the sudden passing of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Please keep his wife, Jill, their two sons, and his entire family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. https://t.co/TQEUYtJNpS
— Calvin Ball (@HoCoGovExec) May 10, 2018
This post will be updated.
