Freshman Federal Way legislator Roger Freeman (D-30) passed away this morning following a yearlong battle with cancer, according to various sources. He was elected a state representative in 2012, after serving on the Federal Way City Council and spending 18 years as a public defender. State senator Tracy Eide, from Federal Way's 30th Legislative District, confirms early reports of Freeman's passing and issued her own statement.

“The 30th district has lost an outstanding young man," writes Eide. "Rep. Freeman was not only a smart and effective legislator but an example to everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He tackled tough problems without blinking and he faced stressful challenges without ever losing the positive, can-do attitude we came to count on from him."

Governor Jay Inselee issued a statement as well, saying "Roger came to the state Legislature with a passion for serving his community and advocating for the most vulnerable, particularly children and children with disabilities. He was fully committed to his work despite the battle he faced against cancer, and was one of the most professional, eloquent and kind-hearted legislators I've had the pleasure of working with." Inslee and Eide both offer condolences to Freeman's family.

Freeman leaves behind a wife and two children. His name is on this fall's ballot; if he wins the election, his position would be filled by an appointment, made jointly by the 30th LD Democrats and the King and Pierce County Councils.