The Orange County Register reported that Ernby died about a week after telling friends she had COVID-19.
Orange County Deputy District Attorney Kelly Arnaby, a political candidate who ran for the state assembly as a Republican, died at age 46 from complications of COVID-19, a county supervisor confirmed.
Earnby died on Sunday.
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, who confirmed how she died, said she was "a breath of fresh air interested in politics."
To Orange County Republicans, Kelly Arnaby was called an incredible patriot, a leader.
It was his first run as a political youth hoping to win the 74th California Assembly seat. She lost the race but secured a spot on the GOP Central Committee.
"As a person, Kelly was a breath of fresh air interested in politics," said Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner.
She then went on record and went in favor of the governor's recall and against the vaccine mandate.
A month ago, Wagner says Arnaby asked him to attend a weekend rally outside Irvine City Hall.
According to the Cal State Fullerton Daily Titan, the event was organized by a conservative college group called Turning Point, which was attended by about 40 people. The 46-year-old woman spoke out against government-mandated vaccines.
Wagner says he has been vaccinated but doesn't know if Earnby did the same. He knows their politics.
"I've never heard Kelly say, 'Don't get vaccinated,'" he said. "All I heard was, 'Make an informed decision. It's your decision.'"
The most recent post on his Facebook page was on Christmas Day. Most of his writings deal with government, politics and veterans.
His boss, OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer, tweeted that his office was heartbroken by his sudden and unexpected passing. Arnaby prosecuted environmental and consumer crimes.
"It's so sad. I've known him for many years."
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Deputy District Attorney Kelly Ernby. pic.twitter.com/w0idy6sqbD
— OCDA Todd Spitzer (@OCDAToddSpitzer) January 3, 2022
Ernby died of complications due to COVID-19, but Wagner says she was at home when it happened.
While she was gardening, a blood clot took her life. He said that she was not in the hospital suffering from COVID.
The head of the local GOP says she was a woman with a fighting spirit who cared about people.
He was widely expected to run for state office again in 2022.
Earnby is survived by her husband Axl.