Representative Doug Ericksen (R), a Trump fan who resisted vaccine requirements and tested positive for the coronavirus in November, died on Saturday. USA Today writer Michael J. Stern seemed to mock his death.
As per the Seattle Times, the specific cause of Ericksen’s mortality, as well as his vaccination record, is yet unknown. His death occurred just over a month after he reported the presence of the coronavirus in El Salvador.
In a press statement, Ericksen’s wife, Tasha, and his two girls wrote, “We are saddened to share our father and husband is gone. Keep praying for our family, and thank you for maintaining the honor of our privacy at this terrible time.”
Ericksen (pictured) perished on Friday, according to reports. His visit to El Salvador is being kept under wraps for the time being.
In reaction to the state senator’s death, Michael J. Stern shared a story from the Daily Beast, saying, “Anti-vaxxer Republican Washington state Senator Doug Erickson has been killed by… COVID-19. On a happier side, for dinner, I’m making fried brussels sprouts with shrimp.”
Stern wasn’t the only one who mocked
Doug Erickson was an asshole anti vaxer who fought the voting system that got him elected and cavorted with authoritarians. I don’t feel bad he died.
— Sarah Smith✨🦑✨ (@SarahSmith4WA) December 19, 2021
Though Ericksen’s immunization history is unknown at the moment, there has been no indication he was an “anti-vaxxer” or that he disparaged coronavirus immunizations.
Since then, other media sites have reported Ericksen rejected Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) coronavirus countermeasures, including vaccine and mask requirements, social separation, and lockdowns; however, no reports suggest he rejected the immunizations themselves.
After a positive test for the coronavirus, Ericksen emailed his Republican counterparts, requesting assistance in obtaining monoclonal antibodies, a treatment that is most successful when the virus is in its initial stages.
He added, “I traveled to El Salvador and confirmed positive for COVID shortly after arriving.”
“I’m unable to return home, and I believe it would be helpful for me to undergo an intravenous infusion of monoclonal antibodies” (Regeneron). I have a doctor that can give the IV, but the medication isn’t available in this country.”
Ericksen was desperate for medication
Ericksen added, “Do any of you have had any thoughts on whether I could get the monoclonal antibodies supplied to me here? Preferably, I’d like to get it on a flight overnight so it can arrive the next day.”
I’m deeply saddened to hear that Senator Doug Ericksen passed away on Friday. My heart is heavy for Tasha, Elsa, and Addi, who have lost a husband and a father. May they find peace and compassion during this difficult time. Everyone in the Senate is thinking of them.
— Denny Heck (@LtGovDennyHeck) December 19, 2021
Ericksen “finally secured a medical evacuation flight to a Florida hospital,” as per the Seattle Times, though it’s unknown where he was at the moment of his death.
Doug Ericksen was an early supporter of former President Trump’s 2016 campaign and a staunch supporter of his candidacy. Denny Heck, the lt. governor of Washington, expressed his condolences on Twitter on Saturday.
He remarked, “I’m profoundly saddened to learn that Senator Doug Ericksen died on Friday. My heart aches for Tasha, Elsa, and Addi, who have lost a parent and a spouse. During this trying time, may they find serenity and kindness. They’re on everyone’s mind in the Senate.”
