Sandra Austin. Photo obtained via Facebook

Decaturish has learned that Sandra Austin, the longtime chair of the DeKalb County Democratic party, has passed away.

She was 69 years old. State Rep. Karla Drenner, D-Avondale Estates, confirmed the news following reports on social media about her passing. Details were not immediately available. The news was initially reported by George Chidi, a local journalist and politician.

Drenner said the news came as a shock to many local Democrats. She said Austin had been chair of the party for several years but wasn’t sure when she took over that role.

This is a developing story. More details will be posted when they become available.

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