U.S. Senator Mark Warner is experiencing profound sorrow due to a tragic loss.
His 36-year-old daughter, Madison, has passed away.
“She brought love and joy into our lives, and her absence creates an unfillable gap,” the family expressed in a statement.
A long-standing health struggle
The 36-year-old died following what the family described as a long-term struggle with juvenile diabetes and various health issues.
“We are devastated beyond words by the loss of our cherished daughter … after a long-standing battle with juvenile diabetes and other health challenges,” the senator and his wife shared in a statement.
“She brought love and joy into our lives, and her absence creates an unfillable gap. We appreciate the loving support from friends and family during this challenging time and request privacy as we cope with this deep loss.”
About her condition
Madison, who mostly kept her life private, is survived by her parents, two sisters, and two children. In a 2019 post, Warner briefly discussed his daughter’s condition while advocating for improved access to insulin.
“As the father of a daughter with Juvenile Diabetes, this truly breaks my heart,” he stated. “Congress and pharmaceutical companies must take action to ensure insulin is affordable and accessible for those in need.”
Type 1 diabetes, previously referred to as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic illness where the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that enables sugar (glucose) to enter the body’s cells for energy.
Over time, type 1 diabetes can result in severe complications that impact major organs such as the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Although life expectancy can differ, research indicates that individuals with type 1 diabetes might live approximately 10 to 12 years shorter than those in the general population.
The news of Madison’s passing sparked an immediate outpouring of condolences from all sides of the political arena.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the Warner family as Mark and Lisa grieve for their cherished daughter, and Gillian and Eliza mourn their sister, Madison,” stated Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
“Adam and I are keeping them all in our thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.”
JD Vance’s remarks
Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin also expressed his condolences, saying: “Suzanne and I are praying for Lisa and Mark Warner and their family today as they cope with the loss of their daughter, Madison. Our thoughts are with them on this incredibly challenging day.”
Sen. Tim Kaine shared his reflections on the family’s bond over the years.
“Nothing in the world has ever been more important to them than their daughters,” Kaine expressed. “We first met Madison when she was just ten years old, and we cherish the many wonderful moments we shared with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Warner family and everyone who knew and loved Madison.”
Rep. Don Beyer shared his sorrow, stating: “Megan and I are devastated and deeply saddened to hear about Madison’s passing. We are keeping the Warner-Collis family in our prayers as they navigate this unimaginable grief.”
Vice President JD Vance also offered his condolences, writing: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Sen. Warner, his daughter, and their entire family. It is such a tragic loss at such a young age. May God provide them with comfort.”
