House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., announced Sunday that his panel's staff director died after a brief illness.

“It is with deep sorrow that I inform you that Damon Nelson, the staff director of the House Intelligence Committee, passed away yesterday at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Maryland following a brief illness," Nunes said in a statement.

Nunes recognized Nelson as a friend dating back to their time together at Tulare Union High School in Tulare, Calif., and as a decorated veteran of the Air Force where he met his wife Dana.

Nelson worked with Nunes since the beginning of his congressional career, starting out as his legislative director and later deputy chief of staff. Nunes has represented California's 22nd Congressional District, which is centered in the San Joaquin Valley, since 2003 and was just re-elected last week.

Nunes said Nelson was well-liked and respected among colleagues.

"Damon was well-known for his deep knowledge of government affairs and his enthusiasm for helping others around Capitol Hill — particularly interns and entry-level staffers," Nunes said, adding that Nelson assumed "the immense responsibilities" of leading the intelligence panel and "enjoyed particular loyalty and affection from staffers" in his offices.

"I have lost one of my oldest friends — someone whom my wife, my three daughters, and I regarded as an extended family member," Nunes said. "My offices will no longer ring with Damon’s infectious laugh, which brightened the mood on even the most stressful days. He was an expert at finding the humor in any situation and was quick with a well-timed joke. He exhibited a rare combination of good humor, hard work, incredible intelligence, deep patriotism, and selfless dedication to others that made him one of the most exceptional people I’ve ever met."

"Damon will be long remembered and deeply missed. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers," he said at the end of the statement, along with a link to a scholarship fund in Damon’s honor being established for graduates of Tulare Union High School to attend the College of the Sequoias in the San Joaquin Valley.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the ranking member and likely new chairman of the intelligence panel next year, also commented on Nelson's death.

“Our Committee has lost a family member, and a truly decent and caring man — a husband, a friend, and a dedicated public servant — Damon Nelson. Our hearts and our prayers are with his wife Dana, his family, his colleagues and all of his friends," Schiff said in a statement. “He will be deeply missed, and the Committee won’t be the same without Damon’s consummately professional and steadfast leadership.”