Clunies-Ross said Despain's death was "very unexpected" but she didn't immediately have more details.
Despain, 37, became Berkeley's acting city clerk in June 2008, succeeding Pamyla Means, and was officially appointed as city clerk on May 17, 2009.
Before becoming acting city clerk, Despain had served the city starting in September 2004 as the records manager, assistant city clerk and deputy city clerk.
Despain attended the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College, according to the City Council's resolution that was passed when she was appointed.
