RALEIGH, N.C. -- Former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan has died, according to a source close with the family.
Hagan served in the Senate from 2009 to 2015 when she was defeated by Thom Tillis.
She was diagnosed with Powassan virus in 2016.
North Carolina House Speaker, Tim Moore, issued the following statement Monday afternoon.
"Senator Hagan represented the very best of North Carolina both as a committed public servant and an accomplished executive in the private sector. Her tragic death is a shock to the citizens she served faithfully in the General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. I join millions of her fellow North Carolinians remembering her immense contribution to our state and sending her family our deepest condolences during this tragic time."
Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD (NC-12), also released the following statement on Monday afternoon.
“It is with great sadness that I mourn the loss of former United States Senator, and General Assembly colleague, Janet Kay Hagan. Senator Hagan was a champion for all people, supporting legislation that expanded the rights of women, immigrants, veterans and members of the LGBTQ community. She fought tirelessly for gun reform and improved access to healthcare, remaining true to the people she served until the very end. Senator Hagan’s work in public office was nothing short of commendable, and she will truly be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with Senator Hagan’s husband, Chip, their children, and the entire Hagan family during this difficult time.”
This is a developing story.