First black congresswoman dies at a young age

Mia Love, the first black Republican congresswoman, has died at the age of 49

"She passed away peacefully" on Sunday, surrounded by family at her home in the city of Saratoga Springs, a statement from the family said.

Love, a daughter of immigrants from Haiti, had represented the state of Utah in the House of Representatives.

Her daughter Abigale said earlier this month that Love was no longer responding to treatment for her brain cancer.

Mia Love's political career officially began in 2003 when she won a seat on the Saratoga Springs city council and later became mayor, at the age of 34.

In 2014, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She made history as the first black Republican woman to hold the role and served two terms. (A2 Televizion)