North Carolina businessman and politician Keith Crisco, who was running against former "American Idol" contestant Clay Aiken to be the Democratic candidate in the Second Congressional District race, died at his home Monday.

Crisco, 71, died suddenly after falling at his home in Asheboro. According to ABC 11, Brad Crone, his campaign strategist, said he slipped on a rug outside his home and fell backward and hit his head on brick, which killed him instantly.

Crisco's family released a statement Monday evening after his death.

"We are heartbroken to share the news that Keith has passed away after an accidental fall at his home this afternoon," they said. "Keith was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a remarkable man with a tremendous dedication to his family and to public service. We appreciate the outpouring of love from our family and friends and all who knew him."

Ron Saynal, who also ran for a congressional seat in the race, said he knew him when he became the commerce secretary under then-Gov. Bev Purdue.

"Keith Crisco was a gentleman, and I'm just heartbroken because he was a good leader for North Carolina," Sanyal said.

Former Gov. Bev Purdue also released a statement about his death.

"Bob and I are devastated to learn that our good friend Keith Crisco has died," Purdue said. "He and Jane were tremendous personal friends as well as colleagues Keith was a great North Carolinian who always did what he believed was best for his county, his state and his country. Political parties and perception were never part of his decision making."

Aiken led Crisco by less than 400 votes in last week's primary. A final tally showed that Aiken won by 399 votes, meaning he will face off against GOP incumbent Rep Renee Ellmers in November.

Aiken says he was shocked when he heard the news.

"Keith came from humble beginnings. No matter how high he rose, to Harvard, to the White House and to the Governor's Cabinet, he never forgot where he came from. He was a gentleman, a good and honorable man and an extraordinary public servant. I was honored to know him," Aiken said in a statement.

Crisco, a North Carolina native, graduated from Pfeiffer University with a bachelor's degree in physics and math. He then received his master's of business administration from Harvard University.

He served as a White House fellow in the early 1970s as an assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

He then became the president of Stedman Elastics in 1978, and has since served on the Asheboro City Council.

He was appointed Secretary of Commerce for North Carolina in 2009, and served until 2013. He was also the board chair for the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research and Bennett College.

He leaves behind Jane, his wife of 49 years, three children and six grandchildren.