Gerry Connolly dies at 75: What was the Virginia congressman’s cause of death?

The family of Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly announced on Wednesday, May 21, that he had passed away at the age of 75.

In a statement posted to social media, the family said that he “passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family.”

“Gerry lived his lie to give back to others and make our community better,” reads the statement, highlighting Connolly’s dedication to public service.

Connolly’s fight with cancer

In November, the Congressman announced that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He was later appointed Ranking Member on the House Oversight Committee, beating out a younger star of the Democratic Party, New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

After his diagnosis was made public, the Congressman said he planned to undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and temporarily entered remission. Sadly, last month, his office confirmed that the cancer had returned and that he was not planning on seeking re-election in 2026.

Connolly’s colleagues send their condolences

Representative Connolly was elected to the House of Representatives in 2008, after serving as Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Shortly after the news of Connolly’s death was announced, members of the House of Representatives and other political leaders began to share their messages of support to his family.

Maryland Representative Jaime Raskin commended the Virginia leader as a “fierce champion of federal workers” and noted that even after years outside of his hometown of Boston, he never lost his accent.

Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett described Connolly as a “mentor.” “We’ve lost a giant. And I’ve lost a friend. My heart is with his family, his staff, and everyone who had the honor of serving alongside him. We’ll carry the work forward—but his presence, his leadership, and his impact will always be felt."

*This is a developing story

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