We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin. Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013. Tonight, he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first. Until a new representative is elected, our office will remain open and continue to serve our constituents. The family asks for privacy at this time. Arrangements will be announced over the next few days. Tara Rountree, Chief of Staff to Congressman McEachin

Late Monday evening news broke that Congressman A. Donald McEachin had lost his long battle with the after-effects of colon cancer. Rev. McEachin was 61.

Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), who represents part of Northern Virginia, tweeted: “Heartbroken to learn of Don McEachin’s passing. A noble friend, husband, and father. An environmentalist, civil rights advocate, faithful public servant, and a man of consequence. There was no better ally to have. I will miss him terribly.”

"Donald and Colette McEachin have been wonderful friends to me and Lisa for more than thirty years. We often bonded over stories and laughs about our mutual challenges raising families with three strong-willed daughters. Up until the very end, Don was a fighter. Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never lost his focus on social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend," tweeted Senator Mark Warner.

Tim Kaine tweeted: "I was listening to a recording by Nina Simone—I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to Be Free—when I heard the news that my friend Donald had passed on. Save a spot for me brother..."