U.S. Senator Mark Warner is mourning a heartbreaking loss.
His 36-year-old daughter, Madison, has died.
“She filled our lives with love and laughter, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void,” the family said in a statement.
A decades-long health battle
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and his wife, Lisa Collis, are grieving an unimaginable loss following the death of their daughter, Madison Warner.
The 36-year-old passed away after what the family described as a decades-long battle with juvenile diabetes and other health complications.
“We are heartbroken beyond words by the passing of our beloved daughter … after a decades-long battle with juvenile diabetes and other health issues,” the senator and his wife said in a statement.
“She filled our lives with love and laughter, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void. We are grateful for the loving support of friends and family during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we navigate this profound loss.”
Inside her condition
Madison, who lived a largely private life, is survived by her parents, two sisters, and two children. In a 2019 post, Warner opened up briefly about his daughter’s condition while advocating for better access to insulin.
“As the father of a daughter with Juvenile Diabetes, this just breaks my heart,” he wrote. “Congress and the pharmaceutical companies need to step up to make sure insulin is affordable and accessible for those who need it.”
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar (glucose) to enter the body’s cells to be used for energy.
Over time, type 1 diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting major organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. While life expectancy varies, studies suggest that people with type 1 diabetes may live about 10 to 12 years less than the general population.
News of Madison’s passing triggered an immediate wave of condolences from across the political spectrum.
“My deepest condolences are with the Warner family as Mark and Lisa mourn their beloved daughter and Gillian and Eliza mourn their sister, Madison,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said.
“Adam and I are holding them all in our hearts and prayers during this time of great loss.”
JD Vance’s words
Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin also shared his sympathy, writing: “Suzanne and I are praying for Lisa and Mark Warner and their family today after the loss of their daughter, Madison. Our prayers are with them on this most difficult of all days.”
Sen. Tim Kaine reflected on the family’s closeness over the years.
“Nothing in the world has ever mattered more to them than their daughters,” Kaine said. “We met Madison when she was ten years old and have so many wonderful memories of time together with her. We are keeping the entire Warner family and all who knew and loved Madison in our prayers.”
Rep. Don Beyer added: “Megan and I are heartbroken and so sorry to learn of Madison’s passing. We are praying for the Warner-Collis family as they grieve this unimaginable loss.”
Vice President JD Vance also extended condolences, posting: “Our prayers are with Sen. Warner, his daughter, and their whole family. What a terrible loss at such a young age. May God comfort them.”
