Debbie Smith is a rape survivor and founder of H-E-A-R-T, Inc. (Hope Exists After Rape Trauma) and an internationally known advocate for sexual assault survivors.

Nevada Senate Democrats announced the death of Sparks state Sen. Debbie Smith on Sunday. She was 60. Smith was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2015.

State Sen. Debbie Smith, D-Sparks, left, and Treasurer Kate Marshall watch primary election results at the Washoe County Democratic Party headquarters in Reno on Tuesday, June 10, 2014.