QUEBEC - Sylvie Roy, an independent member of the Quebec legislature, has died after an undisclosed illness.

A statement released by Roy's political office says she died Sunday afternoon at Enfant-Jesus Hospital in Quebec City, surrounded by friends and family. She was 51.

Roy had been hospitalized since last month with "serious discomfort" but the exact cause of her death has not been announced.

She is best known for being the first, and also one of the most vocal proponents to call for a public inquiry into corruption in Quebec's construction industry back in 2009.

The former lawyer had represented the rural riding of Arthabaska in the national assembly since 2003, first under the Action democratique du Quebec banner and then as a member of the Coalition for Quebec's Future.

Roy began sitting as an independent in August 2015 after a falling out with Coalition Leader Francois Legault.

Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from politicians on Twitter late Sunday.

She is survived by her children Michel and Estelle, her mother, stepfather, sister and ex-husband.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.