Massachusetts Democrat Rep. Jim McGovern has announced the sudden death of his daughter.
McGovern and members of his family said that 23-year-old Molly had previously been diagnosed with a rare cancer and that she died "unexpectedly" while traveling in Italy.
"She had just finished a semester abroad in Australia. She passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family," the family said.
McGovern's daughter was a student at Northeastern University in Boston, where she studied political science and international affairs.
Molly McGovern volunteered for Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD) and had recently worked as a Sports Ambassador at TD Garden, home of her favorite sports team, the Boston Bruins.
“Her love for the Boston Bruins was fierce, but it was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. If you ever met Molly, you carried a piece of her light with you. She had that kind of effect on people,” her family said.
"Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity — refusing to let her illness slow her down," the family's statement said.
"Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already," the communication concluded.
Members of both parties are offering their condolences in the wake of the tragedy.
Raskin wrote, "Everyone in our family adored Molly and we were all inspired by her love for animals, her passion for sports, and her ebullient compassion and care for friends, family, and strangers. We embrace the McGoverns and hold them tight during this hard, hard time.”
House Rules Committee chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC) said, "The loss of a child, no matter the age, is one of the greatest heartbreaks imaginable. Ranking Member McGovern and his entire family remain in my thoughts and prayers."
"In this difficult time of loss, may they find continued comfort, peace, and strength from their faith and from those around them," Foxx added.
McGovern is the ranking member on the House Rules Committee, where he has been the top Democrat since 2018.
This is the second time this month that a member of Congress has suffered the tragedy of losing a child. Republican Andy Biggs of Arizona announced last week that his daughter, Cosette, died from cancer.
Molly McGovern is survived by her father, her mother Lisa, and her brother Patrick.
