The sudden death of state Sen. Scott White of Seattle has 46th District Democrats organizing to find a replacement to fill out White's term, with the goal of doing so before a special session of the Legislature begins Nov. 28.

The Metropolitan King County Democratic Central Committee will call a meeting of the elected and appointed precinct-committee officers within the 46th, seeking the names of three nominees. Those names will be forwarded to the Metropolitan King County Council, which will make the appointment.

There must be at least 14 days' notice before any special meeting is called, and then the council needs a week to do candidate interviews and confirm one of the three choices, said Chad Lupkes, chairman of the 46th District Democrats, who said the process and timing are still being finalized.

Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Department into White's death, discovered Friday, at the Suncadia Lodge. He was participating in a leadership conference hosted by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

Resort staff and conference attendees are being interviewed, said Commander Bob Gubser of the Kittitas County Sheriff's Department.

There is no sign of foul play, authorities said. An autopsy is being scheduled by the Kittitas County coroner.

White, 41, was vice chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

The 46th District includes neighborhoods in Northgate, Laurelhurst, Broadview, Wedgwood, Lake City and Greenwood.

White was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2008, then won election to the Senate in 2010.

King County Executive Dow Constantine on Saturday ordered flags at county buildings flown at half staff. White left behind a wife, two young children, and many friends and supporters.

"I am devastated by the loss," Lupkes said."Scott was a very, very dear friend. It was a medical what-the-heck, with nobody to blame, and nothing that could have been done. It's a sad week, a sad time."

White's wife, Alison Carl White, issued a statement expressing gratitude on behalf of the family for the outpouring of support.

"He was a tremendous husband, father and public official and we are deeply moved by the nobility and honor with which his professional accomplishments are remembered," said the statement posted Saturday on the state Democratic Party's website.

Donations in Scott White's name can be made to the Wedgwood Elementary PTSA, EarthCorps or the Scott White Memorial Fund, an education fund for his two children, at Wells Fargo Bank, P.O. Box 95675, Seattle, WA 98145-2675.

A public memorial service will be held later this week.

Seattle Times political reporter Jim Brunner contributed to this report.

Lynda V. Mapes: 206-464-2736 or lmapes@seattletimes.com