Levin Staffer Hope Reichbach is Dead

Hope Reichbach, communications director for Councilmember Steve Levin and an up-and-comer in New York politics, was found dead in Boerum Hill on Thursday afternoon, according to a police source.

Police were called to the 22-year-old Reichbach's Schermerhorn Street apartment around 2:35 p.m., where she was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Reichbach was the daughter of the influential Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Gustin Reichbach, though at only 22 she had already become a mainstay of local politics. Last year, the lifelong Boerum Hill resident ran for district leader, snagging 37 percent of the vote against veteran incumbent Jo Anne Simon. As Steve Levin’s chief of staff, she was instrumental in overseeing issues such as the and school overcrowding in District 15.

The cause of her death was not immediately released, though according to police no criminality was suspected.

On Thursday night, locals were saddened by the news.

“This is distressing news,” said Howard Kolins, president of the Boerum Hill Association after the group's monthly meeting. "I felt that she was really concerned about doing well for the community.”

Kolins, who worked with Reichbach often, described her as “smart” and “tenacious."

"I wanted to encourage her and wanted to see her succeed,"he said. "It’s admirable when someone is committed to improving the community, that's what I really felt from her."

Check back for updates as this story develops.

A memorial service is scheduled for noon on Sunday at Mount Sinai Synagogue at Cadman Plaza.