Former US senator Jay Rockefeller dies at 89

John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV, a former U.S. senator and governor of West Virginia, passed away at the age of 89 on Thursday night at his Washington home, according to sources. Born into one of America's wealthiest families, Rockefeller left his affluent background to work with impoverished communities, serving as a testament to his commitment to public service.

After moving to Emmons, West Virginia in 1964, he participated in the VISTA program, an anti-poverty initiative, which profoundly influenced his political beliefs. Rockefeller entered politics in 1966 as a Democrat, breaking from his family's Republican legacy. He served as West Virginia's secretary of state and governor from 1976 to 1980, and represented the state in the Senate for 30 years from 1985 until his retirement in 2015.

During his tenure, Rockefeller championed healthcare access, consumer protection, broadband expansion, veterans' welfare, and oversight of U.S. intelligence activities. He authored the Children's Health Insurance Program in 1997, which has since provided health coverage to millions of children. Rockefeller also advocated for President Obama's 2010 healthcare reform and served as chairman of various Senate committees, including the Intelligence Committee where he investigated the Bush administration's handling of intelligence leading up to the Iraq War.

Despite his dedication to public service, controversies in his career included opposition to certain environmental regulations on coal mining in West Virginia. Rockefeller was survived by his wife Sharon Percy Rockefeller, four children, and nine grandchildren.