Grace Garcia, the executive director of Annie's List, passed away on Monday afternoon from a six-vehicle accident in Waxahachie, Texas.

Garcia, whose career included work with President Bill Clinton and then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, led Annie's List in its mission to help elect progressive and pro-choice Democratic women to office, the first Latina to head the organization.

"Grace Garcia was the passionate, tough, visionary leader we needed at Annie's List. The best possible tribute to her life is to continue the work Grace started on behalf of Annie's List and women across Texas. Thoughts, prayers and privacy are appreciated at this time," Annie's List Board Chair Amber Anderson Mostyn said.

Mostyn also revealed a second Annie's List staffer was injured in the crash and was sent to the intensive care unit at Parkland Hospital.

With a "heavy heart," Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said, "Grace was tough and driven with an unparalleled commitment to the women of Texas. With her sudden and tragic passing Texans have lost a true leader. She was a Texas Democrat in every sense of the word. We know the best way to honor her legacy is to work towards getting more Democrats elected across Texas — so we plan to do just that."

Hinojosa added that the thoughts and prayers of Texas Democrats are with Garcia's family and allies at Annie's List.

"She was a fierce warrior for Texas women and equality. Texas has lost a giant," said Texas State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, who attended Thomas Jefferson High School with Garcia. "To me, it was an honor to call her my sister, she was like family. I will be forever indebted to Grace. She was always there for me and for my family."

State Sen. Wendy Davis, who has been endorsed by Annie's List to be the state's next governor, said Garcia had a "rare combination of guts and tenderness," which she will miss.

"Grace did so much for me and for countless Texas women," added Davis. "She was a part of this extraordinary journey we've been working on together that wouldn't have been possible without her. I know she will be with us every step of the way in our hearts and will continue to inspire us every single day."

Fellow Texas State Democratic Sen. Sylvia Garcia said she worked with Garcia for many years and admired the commitment the Annie's List executive director had for public policy.

"She has been a leader in so many ways, from her time with the state, at the General Land Office, to serving under President Bill Clinton, to working as a senior advisor to Hillary Clinton, and now as Executive Director of Annie's List," said Garcia.

"It was only last year that Texas welcomed her back home, and it's far too soon for us to have to say goodbye. She has always been at the forefront of public service, and her depth of knowledge and kind spirit will be deeply missed. In short, she has been an inspiration to women everywhere, particularly the Latina community. My thoughts and prayers go out to her many friends and family at this time."

Born in West Germany, Garcia, a second-generation Mexican-American, was 59 years old.