Ben Chafin, Virginia state senator, dead at 60 from coronavirus

A 60-year-old Republican state senator from Virginia died of coronavirus complications, the senator’s office confirmed Friday night, according to reports.

Senator Ben Chafin of Lebanon, Russell County, died earlier in the day after spending the past two weeks being treated at the VCU Medical Center in Richmond, WRIC-TV of Richmond reported.

Several state lawmakers posted tributes to Chafin on social media.

“Amanda and I are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Senator Ben Chafin,” wrote Republican state Senator Todd Pillion. “Ben loved life, his family, his job and the people of southwest Virginia, for whom he tirelessly defended.”

“It is very sad to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague, Senator Ben Chafin,” wrote Republican state senator Israel O’Quinn. “It is a huge loss for SWVA and his family and we all need to keep them in our prayers.”

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Chafin, a native of Virginia, has served in the state Senate since September 2014, after previously serving in the Virginia House of Delegates.

<br data-recalc-dims= Virginia State Sen. Ben Chafin hears a debate in the Senate floor during the Capitol session in Richmond, Virginia, February 28, 2020. (Associated Press)

Senator Ben Chafin of the state of Virginia overhears the debate in the Senate floor during the Capitol session in Richmond, Virginia, February 28, 2020. (Associated Press)

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Chafin was known as an advocate for Second Amendment weapons rights. In 2018, he sponsored legislation to allow weapons in churches after a Texas shooting tragedy the previous year that left more than two dozen worshipers dead.

In 2015, Chafin fought on behalf of Virginia’s farmers and ranchers against the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Obama-era water regulation plan, which Chafin considered to be an exaggeration.

Chafin leaves behind a 38-year-old wife and three adult children, WRIC reported.

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