The U.S. Congressional candidate who ran neck and neck with “American Idol” star Clay Aiken  in the May 6th  North Carolina Democratic Primary race died after falling in his home according to the Asheboro Courier-Tribune. He took a serious fall at 1:30 pm and was pronounced dead by the emergency responders when they arrived at the scene.

71-year-old Keith Crisco was behind in the Democratic Primary by fewer than 400 votes according to the unofficial count. Crisco never announced whether he would ask for a recount in the election of the seat in the second congressional district, but his camp told a local news station that Crisco had planned on conceding.

35-year-old Aiken said in a statement, “He was a gentleman, a good and honorable man and an extraordinary public servant, I was honored to know him.”

Aiken said in memory of Crisco, he would temporarily suspend all of his campaign activities.

It is unlikely that the incumbent representative, Renee Ellmers will be unseated by a Democratic contender this election cycle as redistricting has drawn the district lines in favor of Republicans.

Crisco was a former North Carolina Secretary of Commerce and the founder of Asheboro Elastics.

Crisco leaves behind his wife, three children and six grandchildren.

  clay aiken, death, fall, keith crisco, National, north carolina, Politics