Cause of Death Revealed After Republican Dies Unexpectedly
Cause of Death Revealed After Colorado Republican Died Unexpectedly
Colorado State’s House Minority Leader, Hugh McKean, died suddenly at home Sunday. A coroner’s report released Wednesday declared his death was caused by a heart attack, according to a Conservative Brief report.
Rep. McKean was running for a fourth term, according to a report in Colorado Politics.
Funeral services are being planned and details will be made public once finalized, according to a statement from Colorado House Republicans.
The Conservative Brief further reported:
Colorado State House Republicans announced the sudden death of their minority leader last Sunday, saying that McKean died in his home in the early morning The prominent state lawmaker was running for a fourth term and his death was described as “tragic and sudden.”
Gov. Jared Polis released a statement saying: “I am devastated to hear of Minority Leader Hugh McKean’s sudden passing. A family man and a true public servant, Minority Leader McKean had a knack for making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. Minority Leader McKean cared deeply for his constituents, always had time for a conversation or a laugh, and truly worked every day to build a better future for every Coloradan. As a dad myself, I can’t imagine the pain his children and family are feeling at this difficult time. We are sending thoughts and prayers to all of Hugh’s loved ones and take comfort knowing his legacy will be felt in Colorado for years to come.”
CBS News reported what will happen next given he was running for re-election in November’s midterms:
McKean was working on his own re-election but was running unopposed in the District 51 race. Because he was unopposed, McKean will be considered a member-elect of the legislature, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office explained. A vacancy committee will meet within a month of McKean’s death to begin the process of filling his House seat. That vacancy committee will be established by the Larimer County Republican Party in accordance with state statutes.
Jeff Hunt, the co-chair of the Western Summit, tweeted: “Colorado House Minority Leader Hugh McKean was a great friend and multi-year winner of the Centennial Institute Faith, Family, and Freedom award. My heart is broken. Colorado lost a principled statesman. I will miss our conversations. My prayers are with his family and staff.”
Dee Dee, a candidate for Colorado State Representative, tweeted: “Today, Colorado lost one of its most passionate advocates, House Minority Leader Hugh McKean. I will remember Hugh for his openness, curiosity, intellect, Rapier sharp wit, and generosity. As Colorado mourns the loss of a great leader, I mourn the loss of a mentor and a friend.”
Rep. Kerry Tipper tweeted: “Hugh often described the House as a family. Today, we are reeling. All I can think of is Hugh’s kids. Your dad loved you with all of his being. He spoke of you often in the chamber. You brought him boundless joy & he was unwaveringly proud of you.”
State Senator Rhonda Fields also spoke highly of McKean, writing on social media: “Today, I grieve the passing of House Minority Leader Hugh McKean. He served the People of Colorado with clarity, leadership, and dedication. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. May he Rest in Peace.”