Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and his wife, Lisa Collis, said Monday that their eldest daughter, Madison, has died at 36 after a decades-long battle with juvenile diabetes and related health complications. In a brief family statement, they said they were “heartbroken beyond words” and asked for privacy as they grieve with loved ones.
Family Statement And Capitol Reaction
In a joint statement released Monday, Warner and Collis said they were “heartbroken beyond words” and asked for space to mourn while friends and family surrounded them, according to WSLS. The outlet reported that Madison’s death followed a “decades-long battle” with juvenile diabetes and other medical issues.
News of her death prompted an immediate response from colleagues across the aisle. Lawmakers from both parties offered condolences in written statements and on social media. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) wrote on X that “Our prayers are with Sen. Warner,” while Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said he was praying for the family, as reported by NBC News.
Warner’s Work On Diabetes Policy
Warner has frequently cited his family’s experience with Type 1 diabetes as a driving force behind his health policy agenda. He has pushed for more research funding, lower drug costs and stronger prevention programs. As outlined by Warner's Senate office, recent government funding bills included provisions tied to the PREVENT DIABETES Act and a one-year reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes In Context
Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States and can lead to serious complications such as heart and kidney disease, according to the CDC’s National Diabetes Statistics Report. The chronic condition requires lifelong insulin therapy and careful monitoring, which advocates say highlights gaps in access and affordability, per the CDC.
The Warners live in Alexandria and are parents to two other daughters, Gillian and Eliza; the family reiterated a request for privacy as they mourn, according to CBS News. Friends, colleagues and political allies across Virginia and on Capitol Hill have continued to share messages of sympathy and support.
