A US congressman died a few weeks after having a heart attack.

Donald Payne Jr. was a Democrat from New Jersey who was a representative for six terms before he died at age 65.

After having a heart attack, Payne Jr. was left unconscious and on a ventilator.

The person had been sick for years with diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure, according to the New Jersey Globe.

The death of Payne Jr. was confirmed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in a very sad statement on Wednesday.

“Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our friend, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., who fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey,” he said.

“Our heartfelt prayers are with him during this difficult time.”

From November 2012 until his death, Payne Jr. was the representative for New Jersey’s 10th congressional district.

He took over the seat from his father, Representative Donald M. Payne, who had held it until he died in March 2012.

During his six terms, Payne Jr. did not face any opposition.

“BEST IN PUBLIC SERVICE”
People remember Payne Jr. for his unique bow tie and friendly personality.

He said that the representative’s “big heart” and determination “embodied the very best of public service.”

“It was my great honor to work side-by-side with Donald to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and we will hold his memory close to our hearts,” he wrote.

Payne Jr. was born in Newark and raised by his dad, who was the first black man to represent New Jersey in Congress. He had two sisters.

Hazel Payne, his mother, died when Payne Jr. was only 5 years old, in 1963.

The person who will be the representative got a degree in graphic arts from Kean University and then worked for the YMCA Youth in Government Program.

Before going to work for the Essex County Educational Services Commission, he worked for the New Jersey Highway Authority from 1991 to 1996.

As a lawmaker, Payne Jr. spoke out for progressive causes like reproductive rights and health care access for everyone in the country.

He fought hard for Medicaid and worked to improve schools in his home state.

Black Maternal Health Week was the focus of his last Instagram post before he died.

Al Sharpton, a civil rights leader, posted a picture of Payne Jr. from March of this year and said he was sorry to hear the news.

“Love, prayers, and strength to the Payne family,” he said.

“May Congressman Donald Payne Jr. rest in peace.”

Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, Payne Jr.’s triplets, and his wife Beatrice will miss him.