Virginia State Senator Ben Chafin died of complications from COVID-19

Virginia State Senator Ben Chafin died of complications from COVID-19 on Friday.

Chafin’s office confirmed his death in a press 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, according to the report.

Reacting to the tragic news, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam paid tribute to Chafin, calling him a “staunch defender” and “good man”.

“He loved the outdoors and he loved serving people even more.

“He has gone to great lengths to create jobs and investment in his district, and I will always be grateful for his courageous vote to extend health care to those in need,” Northam said of Chafin in a press release obtained by the media.

Chafin has served the state since 2013, when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.

The following year he was elected to the State Senate.