On Friday, the longest-serving member of the House passed away.
Rep. Don Young (R-AK) died at the age of 88.
He has been serving in Congress since 1973.
Unexpected Death
At the time of his death, young was traveling back home to Alaska.
He passed away at the Los Angeles International Airport.
His cause of death has not yet been determined.
Young started his service in Congress after winning a special election in 1973.
He had served 25 terms, and he has already announced that he was running for re-election again in 2022.
His office stated, “It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young, the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska, passed away today while traveling home to Alaska to be with the state and people that he loved.
“His beloved wife Ann was by his side.”
Jack Ferguson, a lobbyist who served as Young’s chief of staff, stated, “He was vibrant, he had a lot of energy, he’s very clear of mind, spoke clearly about what he wanted to accomplish, set goals that he wanted to make happen, and was happy to be running.”
His career was not without controversy.
In 2014, he was found to have used campaign funds to pay for more than a dozen hunting trips. He had to pay his campaign back more than $59,000.
He also once held a knife to the throat of Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) before Boehner became the Speaker of the House.
During a House debate, he pulled out the pubic bone of a walrus on the floor.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Source: Fox News
