Douglas McCain, eldest son of John McCain, dies at 66

Douglas McCain, the eldest son of the late Senator John McCain, died suddenly on May 20 at the age of 66, his family announced. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Meghan McCain shared the news on social media, describing her brother as a “truly wonderful, joyful man” who supported her throughout her life. “He brought humor, fun and great conversation to every room,” she wrote. “I will cherish our memories together.”

McCain was the son of John McCain’s first wife, Carol Shepp, and was adopted by the senator after their marriage in 1965. He carried on his father’s military tradition by serving as a Navy pilot, spending six years flying A6 Intruders. After his naval service, he built a long career as a pilot with American Airlines, eventually becoming a captain.

According to his obituary, McCain was born on October 4, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida, and grew up in Jacksonville. He graduated from Jacksonville Episcopal High School in 1977 and went on to attend the University of Virginia, where he majored in systems engineering, joined Navy ROTC, and met his future wife, Ashley Jardine. The couple married and spent 40 years together.

The McCain Institute offered condolences,...