ASHEBORO -- Keith Crisco had been locked in a too-close-to-call Democratic Primary with former "American Idol" singer Clay Aiken. The 71-year-old Crisco was preparing to leave his home when he fell down a flight of stairs, according to a campaign spokesperson.

After the primary on Tuesday, there were less than 400 votes separating Crisco and Aiken. The winner will face off against incumbent Renee Ellmers in the general election in November.

Crisco had been North Carolina's top business recruiter for four years under former Gov. Beverly Perdue, who left office in 2013.