Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings has passed away at age 68. Cummings was reportedly in and out of the hospital in recent weeks and was having trouble breathing while moving around in a motorized wheelchair.
Cummings’ office confirmed that the Congressman passed away at “approximately 2:45 a.m. on Thursday Oct. 17, 2019.”
Following the news of his death, many people came out remembering the politician who was also a civil rights leader and social justice advocate.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings, who was a fierce advocate for civil rights and for Maryland for more than three decades,” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said.
“Congressman Cummings leaves behind an incredible legacy of fighting for Baltimore City and working to improve people’s lives. He was a passionate and dedicated public servant whose countless contributions made our state and our country better. Maryland’s First Lady and I ask Marylanders to join us in praying for his loved ones, his constituents, and his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Cummings wife, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, also released a statement on her husband’s passing.
“He worked until his last breath because he believed our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity and that our nation’s diversity was our promise, not out problem,” she wrote in her statement.
The president also weighed in saying, “My warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings. I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader. His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!”
While an official cause of death has yet to be confirmed, we do know that the Congressman has had serious and long-standing health issues.
Our deepest condolences go out to Cummings’ family and friends during these incredibly difficult time.
