Kevin Phillips, the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Melfort, has died at the age of 63.

The news came in a statement from Premier Brad Wall on Tuesday morning.

Phillips returned to Regina on Monday night to get ready for another week at the Legislature, according to Wall.

"All of Kevin's friends and colleagues are shocked and saddened by his sudden and unexpected passing," said Wall in a statement. "He was getting ready for another week of doing what he loved to do - representing the people of Melfort and area in the Assembly."

Phillips was first elected to the constituency in 2011, taking over for Rod Gantefoer. He was re-elected in 2016.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Phillips was the Mayor of Melfort, and lived in the area for over 40 years.

The Melfort district also includes St. Brieux, Lake Lenore, Naicam, LeRoy, Englefeld, Watson, Annaheim, St. Gregor, and Quill Lake.