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Kay Hagan, a former United States Senator, passed away at age 66. On Monday, October 28, her family released a statement that Hagan died of encephalitis which was caused by the rare Powassan virus. Hagan was initially diagnosed with the virus back in 2016.
Hagan is survived by her husband, Chip, and three children: Jeanette, Tilden and Carrie.
“We are heartbroken to share that Kay left us unexpectedly this morning,” her family said in a statement, via the New York Post. “We are deeply grateful for the support shared with our family as Kay worked to regain her strength these last few years after her illness, and we appreciate your continued prayers.
“Kay meant everything to us, and we were honored to share her with the people of North Carolina whom she cared for and fought for so passionately as an elected official. Most of all, we already miss her humor and spirit as the hub of our family, a role she loved more than anything. Nobody could light up a room and make people feel welcome like Kay.”
Additional information about Hagan’s passing can be seen below.
Kay Hagan Cause of Death: Encephalitis
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Former bank executive and US Senator Kay Hagan passed away at age 66. Hagan, who was born in Shelby, North Carolina on May 26, 1953, passed away from encephalitis which was caused by the rare Powassan virus. The virus causes brain inflammation which left Hagan with difficulting speaking and walking.
“Kay was a fierce advocate for North Carolina, and she represented our state with courage and grace her entire career. She made it a mission to inspire young people – especially young girls – to enter public service, and she served as a role model to so many,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement.
Hagan graduated from Florida State University before moving on to earn her law degree at Wake Forest University.
