LEBANON, Va. — Virginia state Sen. Ben Chafin has died from complications from the coronavirus.
Chafin, 60, had been hospitalized with the coronavirus for two weeks, WJHL reported.
“The family of Senator Chafin thank the VCU Medical Center in Richmond for its vigorous care and heartfelt support during his two weeks of medical services there,” his office said in a statement.
Chafin, a Republican, was first elected in 2013 to the Virginia House of Delegates. In 2014, he was elected to the state Senate.
His office said there will not be a formal burial at Chafin’s request, WJHL reported.
He is survived by his wife, Lora Chafin, and three children.
“I knew Ben as a lawmaker, an attorney, a banker, and a farmer raising beef cattle in Moccasin Valley, working the land just as generations of his family had done before him,” Gov. Ralph Northam said. “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. I have ordered the Virginia state flag to be lowered immediately in his honor and remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of his interment. This is sad news to begin a new year with the loss of a kind and gracious man. May we all recommit to taking extra steps to care for one another.”
Cox Media Group
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