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A 60-year-old Republican Senator from the state of Virginia died of coronavirus, the senator’s office confirmed on Friday evening, according to reports.
Senator Ben Chafin of Lebanon in Russell County died earlier today after spending the last two weeks being treated at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, WRIC-TV of Richmond reported.
Several state lawmakers have posted tributes to Chafin on social media.
“Amanda and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend Senator Ben Chafin,” wrote Republican Senator Todd Pillion. “Ben loved life, his family, his job and the people of Southwest Virginia, for whom he defended tirelessly.”
“So sad to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague Senator Ben Chafin,” Republican Senator Israel O’Quinn wrote. “This is a huge loss for SWVA and her family and we must all keep them in our prayers.”
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Chafin, originally from Virginia, had served in the state Senate since September 2014 after previously serving in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Virginia State Senator Ben Chafin listens to a debate on the Senate floor during the session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., February 28, 2020 (Associated Press)
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Chafin was known as an advocate for Second Amendment gun rights. In 2018, he sponsored legislation allowing guns in churches following a shooting in Texas the year before that left more than two dozen worshipers dead.
In 2015, Chafin fought on behalf of Virginia farmers and ranchers against the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Obama-era water regulation plan that Chafin considered overbreadth.
Chafin leaves behind a 38-year-old woman and three adult children, WRIC reported.
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