LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Harry Reid, who represented Nevada in the U.S. Senate for 30 years, has died.
KTNV reports that Reid, 82, died Tuesday.
His wife, Landra Reid, released a statement announcing the news:
“I am heartbroken to announce the passing of my husband, former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He died peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by our family, following a courageous, four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Harry was 82 years old. We were married for 62 years.
“We are so proud of the legacy he leaves behind both on the national stage and his beloved Nevada. Harry was deeply touched to see his decades of service to Nevada honored in recent weeks with the re-naming of Las Vegas’ airport in his honor.
“Harry was a devout family man and deeply loyal friend.
“We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from so many over these past few years. We are especially grateful for the doctors and nurses that cared for him. Please know that meant the world to him.”
“Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.”
Reid was Nevada's longest-serving senator and was in office from 1987 to 2017. He was the Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015.
Harry Reid was one of the most amazing individuals I've ever met
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 29, 2021
He never forgot where he came from and used those boxing instincts to fearlessly fight those who were hurting the poor & the middle class
He’s gone but will walk by the sides of many of us in the Senate every day pic.twitter.com/8T9PiD7vY4
Reid also had significant connections to Utah. He attended college at Southern Utah University, then moved to Utah State University where he graduated. He was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"We send our condolences to Harry Reid’s family and friends," a statement from SUU read. "Senator Reid is a classic SUU success story. He was from a rural Nevada community and he thrived at the College of Southern Utah (now Southern Utah University). He was involved in extra-curricular activities, discovered a love for learning and realized if he worked hard, he could succeed anywhere. He rose to national prominence and dedicated his life to public service. SUU is honored to be part of Senator Reid’s story."
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) December 29, 2021
“Harry Reid was the embodiment of the American Dream. He worked his way up from a hardscrabble youth to become the Senate Majority Leader. I’m grateful to have known Harry & to have called him a friend. My heart goes out to the Reid family at this difficult time.”
— Orrin G. Hatch Foundation (@OrrinHatch) December 29, 2021
-OGH
West Wendover Mayor Daniel Corona also gave a statement:
“I am incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Reid. As a kid from rural Nevada, Senator Reid’s story resonated with me deeply. A small town kid from Searchlight who through, stubborn determination grew up to become Majority Leader of the United States Senate & one of the most influential people in the world. His story has inspired me for as long as I can remember. Inspiring me as a kid to have limitless aspirations knowing the sky is the limit & as a public servant to never be afraid of tough fights as long as they are righteous fights. May he Rest In Peace.”
