Jim Hagedorn dead at 59: Minnesota Representative passes away after kidney cancer battle

REPRESENTATIVE Jim Hagedorn has died at age 59 after battling kidney cancer.

The Minnesota Republican passed away “peacefully” last night, his wife and former GOP chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan said in a statement.

UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 19: Jim Hagedorn, Republican candidate for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, is interviewed in his campaign office in Mankato, Minn., on September 19, 2018. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)Getty Images – Getty

“It is with a broken heart, shattered spirit and overwhelming sadness I share my husband Congressman Jim Hagedorn passed away peacefully last night,” she said.

“While nothing can accurately prepare you for the unimaginable pain, intense sorrow, suffocating grief and seemingly never-ending emptiness that engulfs the entire body, soul and spirit when your forever love passes away; at least we can smile knowing Jim is smiling from heaven encouraging us to keep chasing our dreams, loving unconditionally and fighting for the country.”

She concluded the piece saying: “I love you. I miss you. I feel empty without you. I will forever be holding your hand.”