LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – A political candidate has been killed in this week’s storm. West Virginia legislative candidate John Rose Sr. was killed by the storm after a tree branch fell on top of him.

Local residents were left in shock today when they learned that their West Virginia legislative GOP candidate survived Hurricane Sandy, only to be killed after surveying damage on his property. His son tells news that John Rose was walking around his Barbour County last night, after the storm had passed, surveying damage, when suddenly a tree branch fell on top of him. Rose died instantly.

Local news indicates that voters in the 47th Delegate District will be alerted by polling signage that Rose has died. Rose, however, will remain on the ballot.

State officials confirm that legislative provisions are in place to handle picking a successor for Rose in the event that he still wins in Tuesday’s election. Ultimately, if Rose wins, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will decide from three names submitted by a GOP executive committee of Barbour County officials. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Send your love.