Rep. Donald Payne Jr. Dead at 65 After “Cardiac Episode”

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.) died on Wednesday after what his office described as a “cardiac episode” that left him hospitalized and absent from Congress.

Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement he is “deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne Jr.”

“With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service,” Murphy added.

The New Jersey Globe was the first to report the news of Payne’s death.

Payne’s office said in a statement confirming his death that he “experienced a physical accident at home” on April 6 and was hospitalized.

During treatment, Payne experienced complications from diabetes and high blood pressure that “led to subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest,” the statement said.

“Despite the dedicated efforts of the medical staff to treat him and improve his health, they were unable to prevent his passing unfortunately.”

Payne’s office announced on April 9th that he was admitted to the hospital that weekend after suffering a “cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes.”

At the time, his office said he was “recovering … as doctors conduct routine exams,” adding that his prognosis was “good” and that he was “expected to make a full recovery.”

A New Jersey Globe report on April 17 revealed Payne remained unconscious 11 days after his heart attack.

Payne’s office, in a statement later that day, acknowledged he remained hospitalized but said he was in “stable condition,” adding, “While we hope for a full recovery, we ask everyone to keep him in your prayers.”

A former Newark city councilman, Payne was elected to Congress in 2012 in a special election to replace his father, Donald M. Payne, who was the first Black member of Congress from New Jersey.

An ally of President Biden, Payne served on the Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.