U.S. Representative-elect Luke Letlow of Louisiana had died of COVID-19, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said on Tuesday.

Letlow, 41, announced on December 18 that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

"It is with heavy hearts that @FirstLadyOfLA and I offer our condolences to Congressman-elect Luke Letlow's family on his passing after a battle with COVID-19," Edwards said on Twitter. "I have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Congressman-elect Letlow's funeral."