MONTGOMERY (AP) — State Rep. Warren Beck of Geneva, a former mayor of the south Alabama town, has died at the Montgomery hotel where he was staying while attending the Legislature.

A spokesman for the speaker of the House said legislative officials were notified that Beck was found in his room at the Embassy Suites about 3 p.m. Wednesday. Spokesman Jeff Woodard said the cause of death was not immediately available.

Montgomery police spokesman Maj. Huey Thornton said Beck appeared to have died from natural causes, most likely from a heart attack.

The 65-year-old Republican representative was a former mayor of Geneva and was first elected to the Legislature in 2002. He was an independent insurance agent in Geneva.

House Minority Leader Rep. Mike Hubbard of Auburn said Beck was running for reelection to his seat in House District 87, which covers Geneva County and parts of Houston County.

House Speaker Seth Hammett said Beck would be remembered for his sense of humor and hard work.

“He understood the problems faced by his constituents,” Hammett said.