Republican former Congressman Chris Cannon (R-UT) has died at 73 years old, his family has confirmed.
Cannon hailed from a prominent Utah family and played a role in the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton.
He represented Utah’s 3rd congressional district from 1997 to 2009.
He died unexpectedly Wednesday, according to his brother Joe Cannon.
During his time in Washington, Cannon served on influential committees including the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.
He chaired the committee from 2003 until 2007.
The highlight of his career was serving as one of 13 impeachment managers investigating Bill Clinton.
Cannon helped bring the case against Clinton during his impeachment trial.
He entered Congress in 1996 when he defeated Democrat Rep. Bill Orton.
Cannon went on to win re-election five times before losing to former Rep. Jason Chaffetz in the 2008 Republican primary.
Paying tribute to his former rival, Chaffetz said of Cannon:
“We all can thank him for his valiant, patriotic work fighting for the USA.”
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) said he was “stunned and saddened” by the news.
“I will miss his insights, encouragement, and friendship,” he wrote.
“Sharon and I mourn with his wife, Claudia, along with