Virginia state senator Ben Chafin died on Friday of complications from COVID-19.
Chafin’s office confirmed his death in a press release obtained by the WJHL, saying the 60-year-old lawmaker had been hospitalized in the past two weeks at the VCU Medical Center.
The senator left his wife and three children, the report said.
Reacting to the tragic news, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam paid tribute to Chafin, calling him a “strong defender” and “good man”.
“He loved the outdoors and loved serving people even more.
“He went to great lengths to bring jobs and investments to his district, and I will always be grateful for his courageous vote to expand health care to the people in need,” Northam said of Chafin in a statement obtained by the media.
Chafin had served in the state since 2013, when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
The following year, he was elected to the state Senate.