Clay Aiken challenger in North Carolina congressional primary dies after fall

Robert Willett/AP

Keith Crisco, the North Carolina businessman locked in a tight Democratic congressional primary race against former 'American Idol' star Clay Aiken, died suddenly Monday.

Crisco, a textile entrepreneur from Asheboro in central North Carolina, died after suffering serious injuries in a fall inside his home Monday afternoon, the Asheboro Courier-Tribune reported.

He fell around 1:30 p.m. and was declared dead when emergency services arrived, according to the paper.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections confirmed Crisco's death, saying that officials were 'saddened to hear' of his passing.

AP

'We are grateful for Mr. Crisco's service to our state and his community through the years,' the agency said. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crisco family during this difficult time.'

Crisco, 71, had run against former 'Idol' runner-up Aiken in the Democratic primary for the right to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers for the state's 2nd congressional district seat.

But results from the May 6 election had remained too close to call. As of Monday, both Aiken and Crisco had garnered about 40% of the vote, but Aiken remained ahead by 369 votes.

Election officials had been expected to certify the results Tuesday, with Aiken likely to be declared the winner. Officials, however, haven't yet commented on how Crisco's death could affect the outcome.

Aiken, in a statement Monday, said he would temporarily suspend all campaign activities to grieve for his opponent.

'I am stunned and deeply saddened by Keith Crisco's death,' Aiken said. 'He was a gentleman, a good and honorable man, and an extraordinary public servant. I was honored to know him.'

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