Rep. Jamie Raskin and his wife announced the death of their 25-year-old son on Thursday.
Thomas Bloom Raskin was a second-year student at Harvard Law School and a graduate of Amherst College. A cause of death was not provided.
“Tommy was pure magic. His brilliance and compassion knew no bounds. He passionately loved his family, friends, and animals, and was devoted to the cause of the global poor. We are devastated and demolished to be without him,” Raskin, a Maryland Democrat, said in a New Year’s Eve statement along with his wife, Sarah Bloom Raskin.
In addition to his parents, Tommy Bloom Raskin is survived by his sisters, Hannah and Tabitha, and grandparents Arlene Bloom and Lynn Raskin.
“The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and love from neighbors, constituents, and friends but asks everyone to observe strict COVID-19 protocols during this time of grief,” the statement said, adding that funeral and memorial service arrangements will be released “in due course.”
Among those to express their condolences was Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. “The First Lady and I extend our deepest sympathies over this heartbreaking loss. I ask all Marylanders to keep the Raskin family in your prayers,” Hogan said in a tweet.
“My heart completely shatters for my dear friend [Rep. Raskin], Sarah, and their family in this devastating loss,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said. “Tommy was an incredible and brilliant beam of light. All our thoughts are with the Raskin family, and we pray for support to envelop them in this unimaginable time.”
Rep. Raskin represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, which is located in Montgomery County. He won the seat in the 2016 election.
