Former Rep. Ed Pastor dies at 75

The Associated Press is reporting former U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor has died at age 75.

Pastor’s daughter, Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor, has issued the following statement on the passing of her father:

“With heavy hearts, the Pastor family would like to inform the public that Congressman Ed Pastor passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at the age of 75. Congressman Pastor served the people of Arizona for more than 40 years as a member of the U.S. Congress and a member of the Board of Supervisors for Maricopa County. He was the first Mexican-American from Arizona elected to Congress. Congressman Pastor will be remembered for his commitment to his family, and his legacy of service to the community that he loved, the state of Arizona and the nation. The Congressman’s wife of 53 years, Verma, would like to thank the first responders from Phoenix Fire Station 9 and the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center for the care they provided Ed in the final moments of his life. At this time, the Pastor family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and leader. Further information will be provided regarding the celebration of Congressman Ed Pastorʼs life.”

Stay tuned for coverage from Cronkite News and Arizona Horizon.

Watch Pastor’s final appearance on Arizona PBS in 2014.