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