Ex-Welsh Labour minister who faced a party investigation into allegations about his personal conduct has taken his own life, BBC Wales understands.
This afternoon's plenary session is not going ahead
UK Labour leader, Jeremy Cobryn says he is "shocked, horrified and deeply sympathetic" to Carl Sargeant's family, following the news of this death.
"He was somebody who represented our party, worked hard to represent his communities and my deepest sympathies are to them."
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Speaking on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Kirsty Williams AM says: "This is extremely sad and shocking news for all of us here in the Senedd and beyond.
"Not only was Carl a dedicated local Assembly Member, but he was an effective government minister who had a significant impact across political life at a national and community level.
"Carl was a good friend for many years and he will be sorely missed.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this incredibly difficult time."
Carl Sargeant was a trained industrial firefighter before becoming an AM
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Economy secretary Ken Skates and Environment secretary Lesley Griffiths, have issued a joint statement:
"We are devastated by the tragic death of our friend and colleague Carl Sargeant.
"He was a gentle but brilliant person, with whom we formed a strong friendship, working together as North Wales colleagues.
"He will never be forgotten by us as a kind, genuine and compassionate man, always determined to fight against injustice, particularly for people who did not have a voice.
"Our thoughts are with Bernie, Lucy, Jack and all his family, who are now without a wonderful, warm, loyal family man."
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Carl Sargeant had been a long-serving member of the Welsh Government.
Born in 1968 in St Asaph, Denbighshire, he worked at a chemical manufacturing plant, had been a quality and environmental auditor and an industrial firefighter.
First elected as Labour assembly member for Alyn and Deeside in 2003, he was appointed chief whip and deputy minister for assembly business following the 2007 election.
Tom Middlehurst, former AM for Alyn and Deeside, said: "I'm devastated - as many people are, he succeeded me and had been a superb constituency member.
"He was an all-round superb representative of Connah's Quay.
"I'm too shocked to take it all in, I feel very strongly for his family and it's a tragedy of the worst kind, it will take a long time to come to terms with this and my thoughts are with the family."
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North Wales Police
Superintendent Mark Pierce of North Wales Police says: "At approximately 11.30am today, Tuesday 7th November, North Wales Police were called to a report that the body of a man had been found at an address in Connah's Quay.
"The man has been formally identified as local AM Carl Sargeant. His next of kin have been informed and police are supporting the family.
"North Wales Police are not treating his death as suspicious and the matter has been referred to HM Coroner.
"The family request that their privacy is respected at this sad time."
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Responding to the news, Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood says: "Carl Sargeant made a significant contribution to Welsh politics, both as an Assembly Member and a government minister.
"On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."
Welsh Conservatives leader, Andrew RT Davies, says the news of Mr Sargeant's death was "unspeakably sad news".
"Parliament has lost a stalwart, and many of us have lost a friend.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and our colleagues in the Welsh Labour Party."
Andrew RT Davies
Tweet from former colleague and friend
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An ex-Welsh Labour minister who faced a party investigation into allegations about his personal conduct has taken his own life, BBC Wales understands.
Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant, 49, lost his ministerial job as cabinet secretary for communities and children last Friday.