Progress Energy (DUK) began the day garnering headlines for its agreement to merge with Duke Energy (DUK) for $13.7 billion, in a deal that will create the nation’s largest power company.
But things have since turned much darker, as Progress Energy lobbyist Ashley Turton has been found dead in a burning car. No explanation yet for how the car caught fire, except that it followed a low-speed crash that occurred just behind Turton’s Washington, D.C. home.
The story obviously is disturbing on its own, but even more so in the wake of Saturday’s shootings in Arizona. Turton is a former Congressional aide, most recently having served as chief of staff to Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). Her husband, Dan, currently works in the White House, as deputy director of legislative affairs for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Best ongoing coverage I’ve seen so far is at Politico.
