Michael Reagan, the elder son of former President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, has died at 80, according to his family. Reagan died Sunday. The announcement was shared by Young America’s Foundation, which released the statement on the family’s behalf, Fox News reported.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan,” the family said. “Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa. Michael was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California. Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.”
“We appreciate your prayers and ask that you would respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time,” the family said.
Reagan was a conservative author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and frequent public speaker.
He spent decades defending and promoting his father’s legacy and was closely involved with the Reagan Library and Foundation.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said it “mourns the passing of Michael Reagan,” describing him as “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.”
“Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals,” the foundation said.
The foundation also cited President Reagan’s autobiography, An American Life, quoting him as writing, “When I read his book, I had even more of a fatherly pride in Mike than I had had before. … He was happy and at peace with himself.”
Michael Reagan’s death marks “a profound loss,” the foundation said, adding that his “presence, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed at the Reagan Library and far beyond its walls.”
His death follows another Republican death on Tuesday and another who was in an accident.
Indiana Republican Rep. Jim Baird has been admitted to the hospital following a vehicular accident. Baird, 80, is responsive and in stable condition. The specifics of the incident are still unclear.
Baird, recognized on Capitol Hill for his focus on veterans and agricultural matters, has served Indiana’s 4th Congressional District since 2019. The district is predominantly rural and agriculturally focused, located in western and north-central Indiana, Fox News noted.
Baird was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018 and served as a Putnam County commissioner from 2006 to 2010 before entering Congress.
During the weekend, Baird commended the Trump administration for the apprehension of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
“We are fortunate to have a president willing to follow through on protecting American lives. Decisive leadership as commander in chief matters, and it gives our men and women in uniform the confidence they need to carry out difficult missions against those who threaten our country,” Baird wrote on X.
“Holding indicted criminals accountable and denying drug traffickers a safe haven sends a clear message: The United States will not tolerate foreign actors who enable the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our communities,” he added.
The tragic news comes on the same day as another longtime Republican passed away.
California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa has passed away at the age of 65.
LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District and served as the chair of the Congressional Western Caucus.
His demise reduces the House Republicans’ majority to 218–213.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., verified LaMalfa’s demise on X.
“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children,” Emmer said.
LaMalfa was recognized as an advocate for conservative initiatives and was also regarded as a benevolent individual towards both journalists and his congressional colleagues.