Is Don Young Living or Dead?

About Don Young

Don Young: The Maverick of Alaskan Politics

Don Young, the longest-serving Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, was a man of many contradictions. Born in California in 1933, he moved to Alaska in 1959 and quickly fell in love with the state's rugged beauty and independent spirit. He became a commercial fisherman and a teacher before entering politics, and his experiences in those fields informed his approach to public service.

Young was a conservative in many ways, but he was also a maverick who defied party orthodoxy on numerous occasions. He was a staunch advocate for the oil and gas industry, but he also championed environmental causes such as the protection of Alaska's wilderness areas. He was a vocal opponent of gun control, but he also supported measures to improve mental health care and prevent domestic violence.

Young's political career spanned more than five decades, and he was known for his colorful personality and blunt speaking style. He once famously referred to his fellow Alaskan, Sarah Palin, as "not very bright," and he was known for his willingness to speak his mind even when it put him at odds with his own party.

Despite his occasional missteps, Young was widely respected in Alaska for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the state's interests. He secured funding for numerous infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, and he fought to protect Alaska's fishing and hunting industries from federal overreach.

Young passed away in 2022 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as one of Alaska's most influential politicians. His commitment to the state and its people will be remembered for generations to come.

References:

- "Don Young, Longest-Serving Republican in House, Dies at 88." The New York Times, 18 March 2022.

- "Don Young, Alaska's Maverick Congressman, Dies at 88." NPR, 18 March 2022.

- "Don Young, Alaska's Gruff and Gaffe-Prone Congressman, Dies at 88." The Washington Post, 18 March 2022.

About Death

On March 18, 2022, Young was on a flight from Los Angeles to Seattle while traveling to Alaska. Toward the end of the flight, he lost consciousness, and was declared dead, aged 88, after the plane landed at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. Also on the flight were his wife Anne Garland Walton and communications director Zack Brown.