Former Sen. Kay Hagan died unexpectedly on Monday, according to her family.
A North Carolina Democrat, Hagan served one term in the U.S. Senate from 2009 to 2015.
Hagan won her seat after defeating Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole in 2008. After a single term, she lost her reelection bid to current Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
Prior to her time in the U.S. Senate, Hagan worked in the North Carolina Senate for two decades. Later in her career, she became a resident fellow at Harvard University, for which she also worked as a lobbyist.
Hagan’s family said in a statement, “We are heartbroken to share that Kay left us unexpectedly this morning.”
“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,” they added. “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.”
In 2016, Hagan had been diagnosed with Powassan virus, a rare type of encephalitis transmitted by ticks. Those who contract the virus often suffer permanent neurological symptoms.
Her family acknowledged that she had struggled with the virus and thanked those who supported the family.
“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,” the family said.
