Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS), who retired from the Senate last year, died on Thursday morning at the age of 81, according to a press release from his successor, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s (R-MS) office Thursday.
“Cochran’s family extends its gratitude for the support shown to the Senator by Mississippians over the years,” the statements said.
Cochran, who served as the Senate Appropriations Committee chair, spent more than 45 years in Congress and retired in April 2018 due to health issues.
BREAKING: Former U.S. Sen Thad Cochran of Mississippi has died. Story to come. pic.twitter.com/JLfzTsTjrI
— Clarion Ledger (@clarionledger) May 30, 2019