For 25 years, Monique Lockett served as a devoted employee of the Social Security Administration (SSA), quietly safeguarding sensitive data and mentoring colleagues in her role as an information technology specialist. But in February, amid sweeping upheaval across the federal workforce, Monique’s long and faithful service ended in heartbreak—she died at her desk, just five years shy of retirement.

Her sister, Ksha Lockett, told CNN that Monique had grown deeply anxious about what lay ahead for the SSA and her colleagues under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly empowered agency tasked with slashing programs and rooting out supposed fraud.

“She was really worried about everyone she worked with,” Ksha shared with the outlet. “She had a lot of anxiety about what changes would mean—not just for her, but for everyone.”

Monique’s death, ruled as a result of hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, has become a flashpoint in a broader conversation about the toll this moment is taking on America’s civil servants. While it’s impossible to pinpoint a single cause for her sudden passing, medical experts confirm that chronic stress can significantly contribute to the disease.

According to CNN, Monique’s daily check-in call to her sister didn’t come on the morning of February 18. She had quietly arrived at the SSA’s Baltimore-area headquarters, taken her seat—and never got back up. Paramedics worked for 40 minutes to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SSA confirmed an employee’s death that day but declined further comment.

“It's total fear and demoralization,” said Lisa Kays, a clinical social worker in D.C. who treats many government employees. “They’re terrified they’ll make a mistake—but often they don’t even know what would count as a mistake.”

The pressure is particularly intense at SSA, where DOGE staff—some detailed from other departments—have reportedly gained access to highly sensitive records for fraud investigations. A federal judge recently blocked DOGE’s access to that data, accusing them of conducting a “fishing expedition” with no clear justification.

Monique’s former colleague, who asked to remain anonymous, described her as “one of our best” and emphasized how integral she was to keeping Americans’ private data secure.

“She cared deeply about her job and about doing it right,” Ksha said.