Georgia Rep. Jay Powell Dies After Collapsing At Lawmaker Retreat

Georgia Rep. Jay Powell, 67, was an attorney from Camilla in south Georgia. He had served in the state House since 2009. In his role on the Rules Committee, which he assumed earlier this year, Powell helped decide which bills came up for a vote in the House. He also advocated for rural revitalization, and previously co-chaired the House Rural Development Council.

Erik S. Lesser / AP file

Updated Tuesday at 3:37 p.m.

The chairman of the powerful Georgia House Rules Committee has died after collapsing at a retreat for lawmakers.

State Rep. Jay Powell died after collapsing at a Republican caucus leadership event Monday night at the Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, according to House Speaker David Ralston.