Virginia State Senator Ben Chafin died Friday from complications of COVID-19.
Chafin’s office confirmed his death in a press release obtained by WJHL, which said the 60-year-old lawmaker had been hospitalized for the past two weeks at VCU Medical Center.
According to the report, the lady and her three children survived the senator.
Reacting to the tragic news, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam paid tribute to Chafin, calling him a “strong advocate” and a “good man.”
“He loved the outdoors and he loved serving people even more.
“He worked hard to bring jobs and investment to his district, and I will always be grateful for his valuable vote to expand health care to people who need it,” Northam said of Chafin in a press release. .
Chafin has served in the state since 2013, when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
The following year he was elected state senator.