Donald McEachin, a Democrat from Richmond Virginia, died on Monday at the age of 61.
The congressman passed away after a fight with colorectal cancer, according to McEachin’s chief of staff Tara Rountree.
In Virginia’s 4th District, McEachin was first chosen in 2016. He was just elected to his fourth term in Congress, where he has dedicated his voice and support to the defense of LGBTQ and civil rights.
He also spoke out strongly in favor of environmental protection, gun control, and equality.
Colette McEachin, an attorney for the Richmond Commonwealth, is McEachin’s surviving spouse. They have three grown children together.
McEachin spoke about his personal health struggles in front of a full theater at the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premiere earlier this month.
“I can’t stress to you enough the importance of early detection,” McEachin said. “I know many of you have watched my journey and I’ve had a number of health issues. Nearly every one of the issues he’s had is related to the radiation he had to deal with my colon cancer, my rectal cancer actually.”
He urged the crowd to get regular exams.
“Don’t fool around. Don’t go through my journey. Go to the doctor,” McEachin said.
Rountree shared the following statement on Monday night,
“We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin. Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer in 2013.
Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first. Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents. The family asks for privacy at this time. Arrangements will be announced over the next few days.”
Donald McEachin’s early life and education.
While his father was a member of the American Army, McEachin was born in Nuremberg, Germany. He went to Richmond’s St. Christopher’s School. Donald graduated from American University with a B.S. in political history in 1982.
He then continued his education at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he graduated with a J.D. in 1986. Additionally, in 2008, he earned an M.Div. from Virginia Union University. He received honoris causa membership in the National Leadership Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, in 2012.
Donald McEachin’s profession.
Aston From 2017 until his passing in 2022, Donald McEachin, an American politician, and attorney, represented Virginia’s 4th congressional district in the U.S. His district covers a large portion of the region between Richmond and Hampton Roads and is centered in the state capital of Richmond.
Also Read: BBC racing commentator, John Hanmer, dies at 82
McEachin, a Democrat, held two terms in the Virginia House of Delegates, from 2006 to 2008 and 1996 to 2002. He represented the 9th district, which includes Charles City County, Henrico County, and sections of Richmond, in the Virginia Senate from 2008 to 2017. McEachin won the general election with 57.3% of the vote to fill Republican Randy Forbes’ open seat in Virginia’s 4th congressional district.
Donald McEachin’s wife and his personal life
Colette McEachin, who had previously held that position for 20 years, was McEachin’s wife in 2019. On August 10, 2019, Colette won the Democratic nomination, and on November 5, 2019, she won the special election without facing any opposition. In 2021, she was out of the office. Living in Richmond, they had three kids.
Donald McEachin’s health issues and death.
After finishing treatment for colorectal cancer in 2014, McEachin disclosed in 2018 that he had developed a fistula and had lost more than 60 pounds (27 kg) as a result. At the age of 61, he passed away on November 28, 2022, from cancer-related complications.
