King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng, 68, died after collapsing at an event at the UW's Center for Urban Horticulture Thursday evening.

According to The Associated Press, Maleng was transported to Harborview Medical Center after Seattle Fire Department medics arrived at 8:15 p.m.

According to the article, hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg-Hanson said Maleng arrived at the hospital "in full cardiac arrest." Efforts to resuscitate him failed for nearly an hour, and he was declared dead at 9:11 p.m.

A statement from the King County Medical Examiner's Office said Maleng suffered from cardiovascular disease, and it was a natural death.

According to Maleng's biography on the King County Prosecuting Attorney's office Web site, he graduated from the UW in 1960 with a degree in economics and later earned a law degree from the UW Law School. He led efforts to reform the criminal justice system and improve public safety on the local, state and national levels as King County Prosecuting Attorney.

The former attorney also established Kids' Court, which helps child victims of sexual abuse understand the courtroom, and Drug Court, which offers first-time offenders an opportunity for a strict drug treatment program.

Maleng also handled the prosecution of Green River serial killer Gary Leon Ridgway, a case that brought him both praise and criticism because he did not seek the death penalty.

In a news release on King County Executive Ron Sims' Web site recounting some King County officials' statements of mourning, Sheriff Sue Rahr wrote of the weight of Maleng's death.

"Professionally, we've lost a steady compass set on the even-handed pursuit of justice," Rahr said. "The legal reforms Norm put in place for King County have made this region one of the best in the country. But personally, his loss means much more. He was a father figure, a role model, a mentor and friend, and I already miss him immensely."

Reach reporter Camden Swita at news@thedaily.washington.edu.