New York State Senator Jose Peralta died of an apparent heart attack late Wednesday night, friends and fellow lawmakers said. He was 47.

Peralta, a Democrat, represented a Queens district that included diverse neighborhoods such as Corona, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside.

“Tragic news about @SenatorPeralta,” State Senator Mike Gianaris wrote on Twitter. “My heart goes out to his family. Rest In Peace,” Michael Blake, a current candidate for New York City Public Advocate said he was, “Truly at a loss for words.”

“Sleep at peace Jose Peralta,” he tweeted.

Peralta was the first Dominican-American elected to the State Senate in March 2010.

This fall, Peralta was defeated in a Democratic primary by Jessica Ramos. She then cruised to victory in the general election for Peralta’s seat.