Virginia State Senator Ben Chafin (R) has died of complications from COVID-19, his office announced Friday. He was 60.
Gov. Ralph Northam (D) and the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus confirmed the death of Chafin, who has represented the state’s 38th district for the past six years.
“Senator Chafin’s family thanked the VCU Medical Center in Richmond for its vigorous care and heartfelt support during its two-week medical services there,” his office said in a statement, according to CBS ‘Richmond affiliated station, WTVR-TV.
Northam wrote in a statement that “Southwest Virginia has lost a strong attorney – and we’ve all lost a good man.”
“I knew Ben as a legislator, attorney, banker and farmer raising beef cattle in Moccasin Valley, working the land as generations of his family had done before him,” said the governor. “He did his best to bring jobs and investment to his district, and I will always be grateful for his courageous voice in expanding healthcare for people who need it.”
Northam has reportedly ordered the flag of the state of Virginia to be flown at half-staff on the day of Chafin’s funeral until sunset.
According to The Roanoke Times, lawmakers and others in political circles had heard in mid-December that Chafin contracted the virus when he was hospitalized at the VCU.
While other Virginia lawmakers have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, Chafin is the first to die of complications.
Fellow lawmakers expressed their condolences following news of Chafin’s death on Friday, with Republican Senate leader Thomas K. Norment Jr. said, “Ben Chafin has left us a legacy of the best in public service,” said WTVR.
“He made sure that his region and community, and the people he loved, would never be forgotten,” said Norment. “May we cherish his memory by imitating his dedication and dedication.”
The news comes just days after Louisiana Rep.-elect Luke Letlow (R) died of COVID-19 complications at the age of 41. He would become the retiring Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Who he previously served as Chief of Staff.
Letlow was first admitted to St. Francis Medical Center on December 19 due to complications from the coronavirus is transferred to the Ochsner LSU Health ICU on December 23. He had a heart attack after a procedure related to the virus.