RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Congressman Donald McEachin (D - Richmond) passed away on Monday at the age of 61.
Tara Rountree, McEachin's Chief of Staff, said that the congressman passed following a battle with colorectal cancer.
McEachin was first elected to Virginia's 4th District in 2016. Earlier this month, he was reelected for his fourth term in Congress where he lent his voice and support to protecting civil rights and LGBTQ protections.
He was also outspoken for equality, curbing gun violence and environmental protection.
According to The Washington Post, he was the third-ever African American to represent Virginia in the U.S. House.
McEachin is survived by his wife, Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin.
Earlier this month, McEachin attended a premiere for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" where he shared his personal health battles in a packed theater.
"I can't stress to you enough the importance of early detection," McEachin said. "I know many of you have watched my journey and I've had a number of health issues. Nearly every one of the issues he's had is related to the radiation he had to deal with my colon cancer, my rectal cancer actually."
He urged the crowd to get regular exams.
"Don't fool around. Don't go through my journey. Go to the doctor," McEachin said.
Suffolk Mayor Michael D. Duman has released the below statement regarding the passing of Congressman Donald McEachin:
“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Congressman Donald McEachin.
He was a distinguished legislator who courageously served Virginia for over 25 years. Congressman McEachin was a dedicated public servant who fervently promoted equality for all. I am honored to have witnessed his unrelenting commitment to the residents of Suffolk and the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
On behalf of Suffolk City Council, I offer our deepest condolences to his wife, children, and the entire McEachin family.”
Rountree shared the following statement on Monday night.
We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin. Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013. Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first. Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents. The family asks for privacy at this time. Arrangements will be announced over the next few days.
Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) sent out a statement following McEachin's passing:
Today, Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) released the following statement on the passing of Rep. Donald McEachin:
“A dear friend and trusted colleague, Don dedicated his life to public service and made a difference for the people of Virginia in Congress and in the General Assembly. He fought every day for his constituents and the Commonwealth and gave a voice to our most vulnerable citizens.
“There is no doubt that Don’s service made Virginia and our country a better place for all, and he will be dearly missed. I am keeping his wife Colette, his family, friends, and staff in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Rep. Elaine Luria
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) issued the following statement:
“Donald and Colette McEachin have been wonderful friends to me and Lisa for more than thirty years. We often bonded over stories and laughs about our mutual challenges raising families with three strong-willed daughters.
“Up until the very end, Don was a fighter. Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never lost his focus on social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend.”
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner
Congressman Bobby Scott (D-Va.) also issued a statement:
“It was with the deepest sadness that I learned of the passing of my colleague and friend Donald McEachin. Throughout his career of public service in the Virginia House of Delegates, the Senate of Virginia and the U.S. House of Representatives, Donald was a relentless champion for all Virginians and our Commonwealth. He was the son of an Army veteran and a public-school teacher and grew up in the area that he would go on to represent in the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress.
“Donald was a thoughtful and principled legislator and respected by people on both sides of the aisle. He was also a trail blazing figure in Virginia politics – being the first African-American nominee of a major party for Virginia Attorney General and only the third African-American elected to Congress from Virginia. Donald was resolute in pushing Virginia to lead the way in climate policy. He was also one of Congress’s strongest champions for environmental justice, fighting to ensure that our most vulnerable communities have access to clean air and water. The Commonwealth and our nation have lost one of its most dedicated public servants and fiercest advocates for justice and equality.
“I want to offer my deepest condolences to his wife Colette, their three children, his friends, staff and the countless individuals positively impacted by his life.”
Congressman Bobby Scott
Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan tweeted out her thoughts:
Such devastating news.😢My heart goes out to @RepMcEachin’s family and his staff.
I have fond memories of this gentle giant who encouraged me in my own political journey. What a loss for so many in Virginia and our country. https://t.co/bVx5tJF1Jh
— Andria McClellan (@AndriaMcClellan) November 29, 2022
Such devastating news.😢My heart goes out to @RepMcEachin’s family and his staff.
I have fond memories of this gentle giant who encouraged me in my own political journey. What a loss for so many in Virginia and our country. https://t.co/bVx5tJF1Jh
— Andria McClellan (@AndriaMcClellan) November 29, 2022
“I met Donald McEachin in 1985 and we became fast friends. Anne and I went to the Richmond party celebrating his marriage to Colette. Our kids were the same age, we shared a statewide ticket with Mark Warner, and we’ve been together in the Virginia federal delegation for years. I was last with him on election night three weeks ago, celebrating his win. He was a gentle giant, a compassionate champion for underdogs, a climate warrior, a Christian example, an understanding dad, a proud husband, a loyal brother. ‘Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise.’ Psalm 90:12.”
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine
