Former Ottawa city councillor Shawn Little has died at the age of 48.

Little was first elected to city council in 1997 at the age of 33, making him one of the youngest councillors in Ottawa’s history.

Reports indicate Little passed away in Cuba.

Sources tell 1310News Cuban officials contacted Ottawa Police to inform them a Canadian, reportedly Little, died while in their country.

Ottawa Police confirm they notified the next of kin.

No other details about his death are known at this time.

The news received plenty of local reaction on social media.

MPP for Nepean-Centre Lisa MacLeod posted on Facebook saying she was very sad to hear the news.

The Kitchissippi Times and Councillor Maria McRae also Tweeted their respects.

In an E-mail to 1310News, Mayor Jim Watson says, “It is with sadness that I learned today of the passing of former city councillor Shawn Little. I had the honour of serving with Shawn during his first term on city council from 1997-2000. I want to offer my condolences to Shawn’s family at this difficult time. May Shawn rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Eli El-Chantiry – who first sat on council with Little in 2003 – says it was a pleasure to work with Shawn.

“He made a lot of effort others may not have seen”, El-Chantiry told 131News.  “I was still in business when I was first on council.  He used to drive all the way from Kitchissippi to Constance Bay to have breakfast, talk to me and meet my family.”

Councillor Mark Taylor ran against Little in the 2010 municipal election for the same seat. 

“I have nothing but good memories of running into Shawn”, Taylor told 1310News.  “During that period, he was always a gentleman.”

City council will hold a moment of silence for Little at the beginning of Wednesday’s City Council meeting, and flags will fly at half-mast in remembrance of him on the day of the memorial service. The Mayor has personally passed on City Council’s condolences to Little’s father.