DON Young was the longest-serving member of Congress since he was elected in 1973.
His death has been deeply mourned by politicians and Alaskans.
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Who was Rep Don Young?
Donald Edwin Young, popularly known as Don Young, was born on June 9, 1933, in Meridian, California.
Having represented Alaska for 49 years, Don Young was known as the Republican Party’s longest-serving member of the House of Representatives.
He was widely regarded as an experienced politician and educator.
What positions did he occupy before his death?
Before his death on Mach 18, 2022, Rep Don Young was the representative for Alaska’s congressional district from March 6, 1973, to March 18, 2022.
Additionally, he was the 45th dean of the House of Representatives from December 5, 2017, to March 18, 2022.
He also served as the Chair of the House Transportation Committee from January 3, 2001, to January 3, 2007.
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He also served as the Chair of the House Resources Committee from January 3, 1995, to January 3, 2001.
He occupied other positions in Alaska, but one of the positions that propelled him earlier in his political career was his position as the mayor of Fort Yukon where he served from 1964 to 1967.
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What was his cause of death?
On March 18, 2022, Don Young, the longest-serving member of Congress died at the age of 88.
Young is said to have lost consciousness on a flight from Los Angeles to Seattle, The Anchorage Daily News reported. However, he could not be resuscitated.
A cause of death was not immediately released.
Young’s office has released a statement saying: “It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young (R-AK), the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska, passed away today while traveling home to Alaska to be with the state and people that he loved.”
The statement continued: “Don Young’s legacy as a fighter for the state will live on, as will his fundamental goodness and his honor. We will miss him dearly. His family, his staff, and his many friends ask Alaskans for their prayers during this difficult time.”
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