As reported earlier here at Independent Political Report and at Ballot Access News, Green Party nominee Vic Roberts died July 4th or 5th at his home. The Illinois Green Party issued this press release about Roberts today:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Patrick Kelly
IL Green Party Media Coordinator
773-203-9631

GREEN PARTY MOURNS VIC ROBERTS

Vic Roberts, Green Party candidate for 19th Congressional District, passed away Friday night or early Saturday morning. The cause of death is unknown.

“Apparently, Vic participated in a parade just yesterday and seemed fine. He went to bed last night and died peacefully in his sleep,” said Rich Whitney, 2006 Green Party candidate for governor, who spoke to Roberts’ wife Carolyn on Saturday morning. Roberts was born Nov. 19, 1932. He was 75 years old.

Roberts, who had run previously as a Democratic candidate before running unopposed in the Green Party primary in 2008, was a retired coal miner known for wearing his distinctive coal miner’s helmet on the campaign trail.

Whitney described Roberts, of Taylorville, as a “staunch advocate for the Green Party and long-time advocate for working people.”

Cards and condolences can be sent to his wife:

Carolyn Roberts, 1022 N 1250 E Rd, Taylorville, IL 62568

Recent photos of Vic Roberts may be found
here.