Texas Republican Representative Ron Wright died Sunday, about two weeks after hiring COVID-19. The first member of Congress to die from the virus, Wright had also been undergoing treatment for cancer for years, according to a statement issued by his office.
“Congressman Ron Wright died peacefully at the age of 67 on February 7, 2021. His wife Susan was by his side and is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior,” the statement said.
For the past two weeks, he and his wife, Susan Wright, have been in Dallas Baylor Hospital after the two were diagnosed with COVID-19. On January 21, Wright issued a statement announcing that he had tested positive after coming into contact a week earlier with someone who had the disease.
When he announced his diagnosis, Wright quarantined him and described his symptoms as “minor.” “I feel good and will continue to work for 6th District people from home this week,” he said.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Wright’s office said it had maintained a “rigorous work schedule” at home and at home during cancer treatment and said it had fought especially for “individual freedom, Texas values and, most importantly, life. of the unborn “.
Wright won the 6th district seat for the first time in 2018 after the long retirement of Congressman Joe Barton. The district includes Arlington, part of Fort Worth, and areas south of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Although Wright is the first member of Congress to die after contracting the virus, Luke Letlow also died in late December, days before he was supposed to take office. He was 41 years old.
Kathryn Watson contributed to this report.