SAN DIEGO -- An autopsy will be conducted Monday to determine the cause of death of San Diego City Councilman Charles L. Lewis III.

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Family, Colleagues Shocked Over Lewis' Death

Lewis died Sunday Sunday at age 37.

Lewis woke up "in distress" at his Southeast San Diego home Sunday and was rushed by ambulance to Kaiser Permanente hospital, where he died just after 1 p.m., said Raquel Morrison, a spokesperson for the Lewis family.

"Apparently he had some sort of gastrointestinal issue," hospital spokeswoman Sylvia Wallace told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mayor Dick Murphy canceled Monday's City Council meeting. The mayor said he will meet with City Attorney Casey Gwinn to discuss a special election to fill Lewis's seat.

Lewis' family and friends will hold a news conference Monday at the New Creation Church in San Diego, which Lewis attended.

The councilman is survived by his wife, Carletta, mother Rosemary Pope, father Charles Lewis II and sister Charis.

Lewis lived in San Diego for more than 29 years. He was elected to the City Council's 4th District in 2002.

Before becoming a councilman, Lewis served as chief of staff for former Councilman George Stevens.

Lewis grew up in the Skyline neighborhood and attended Samuel Morse High School, then San Diego State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Public Administration.

As chief of staff for Stevens, Lewis coordinated the Holiday Bridge Lighting program for his district and the installation of more than 80 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. freeway signs, 10 years after they were approved by the state.

Lewis served on the boards of the American Diabetes Association, Encanto Boys and Girls Club and San Diego State Alumni Association.

In May 2003, a federal bribery investigation targeting Lewis and fellow councilmen Michael Zucchet and Ralph Inzunza became public when FBI agents searched City Hall and strip clubs in San Diego and Las Vegas.

The three were indicted Aug. 28, 2003, on charges they schemed to repeal an ordinance prohibiting touching in strip clubs in exchange for money and favors.

The three councilmen pleaded not guilty. A trial date has not been set.

Councilman Jim Madaffer said he was shocked to learn of his colleague's passing.

"Charles Lewis was a dear friend and colleague for over a decade," Madaffer said in a statement.

"He was mild-mannered yet a fierce fighter for his beliefs and the people he represented," Madaffer said. "He was solid like a rock, firm in his faith and a guiding force in the community."

Funeral arrangements are pending.