The Senator of the state of Virginia, Senator Ben Chafin, has died from coronavirus. He was 60.
Senator Augustus Benton (Ben) Chafin, Jr. passed away on January 1, 2021, from complications after contracting coronavirus, a statement issued from his office said.
Republican Senator Chafin was elected to the state’s House of Delegates in 2013 before moving to the Senate in 2014.
“The family of Senator Chafin thank the VCU Medical Center in Richmond for taking care of him during his two weeks,” said the statement. He will be remembered as “a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, economic development and health care coverage for low-income Virginians,” the statement added.
Senator Chafin is survived by his mother, sister, wife, three children and grandchildren.
Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam ordered the state flag atop Virginia’s Capitol to fly at half-staff until the senator’s interment.
Senator Chafin passed away days after the death of Louisiana representative-elect Luke Letlow from coronavirus. The 41-year-old was to succeed retiring Ralph Abraham.
