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How did Orrin Hatch die? Longest-serving Senator in Utah history dies aged 88

Orrin Hatch also co-authored a number of laws of the past half-century, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Longtime Republican senator from Utah Orrin G Hatch died on Saturday, April 23, in Salt Lake City. He was 88. Hatch was the longest-serving Republican US senator, having served in the Senate for 42 years. 

Hatch's death was announced by the Hatch Foundation. "The Hatch Foundation sadly announces the passing of Senator Orrin G. Hatch—the Chairman Emeritus of the Hatch Foundation, former President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, and longest-serving Senator in Utah history (1977-2019). Senator Hatch passed away at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by family," the Hatch Foundation said in a statement. 

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A cause of death has not been specified. “Senator Orrin G. Hatch personified the American Dream,” said Matt Sandgren, Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation. “Born the son of a carpenter and plaster lather, he overcame the poverty of his youth to become a United States Senator. With the hardships of his upbringing always fresh in his mind, he made it his life’s mission to expand freedom and opportunity for others—and the results speak for themselves. From tax and trade to religious liberty and healthcare, few legislators have had a greater impact on American life than Orrin Hatch. He was a profoundly positive influence in the lives of those he served, whether they were the constituents he helped over four decades of casework, the hundreds of interns he sponsored in both Utah and DC, or the robust network of Hatch staffers who carry on his legacy to this day. Senator Hatch touched the hearts of countless individuals, and I know I speak for all of them when I say he will be dearly missed.” 

Hatch's childhood was marked by poverty and difficulties. While his mother was a homemaker, his father was a union carpenter and plaster lather. His parents raised their nine children in the aftermath of the Great Depression. "When Hatch was just ten years old, he was deeply impacted by the loss of his older brother, Jesse Hatch, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. After Jesse’s death, Hatch resolved to live two lives—one for himself and one for his brother," the Hatch Foundation said.

"This resolve drove Hatch to succeed in sports and other extracurricular activities. In high school, he played on the varsity basketball team, fought as an amateur boxer, and served as student body president. He brought his passion for music, athletics, and student government with him to Brigham Young University in 1952. To pay his way through college, Hatch worked as a janitor during the school year and as a journeyman lather in the summers. When he was nineteen years old, Hatch was called to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ohio and Indiana, which he described as one of the most formative experiences of his life," the statement.

Senator Hatch is survived by his wife, Elaine, and their six children. Hatch served during the administrations of seven Presidents, and alongside nine Senate Majority Leaders.

“A man of wisdom, kindness, character, and compassion, Orrin G. Hatch was everything a United States Senator should be,” said A 4Scott Anderson, Chairman of the Hatch Foundation. “He exemplified a generation of lawmakers brought up on the principles of comity and compromise, and he embodied those principles better than anyone. In a nation divided, Orrin Hatch helped show us a better way by forging meaningful friendships on both sides of the aisle. Today, more than ever, we would do well to follow his example. May we honor Orrin’s memory by living as he lived—committed to our country, to our principles, and to each other.”

Hatch also co-authored a number of laws of the past half-century, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. He helped pass several important bills, including the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and the Central Utah Project.  

'We lost a jewel and true American statesman'

US Senator for the state of Wyoming, John Barrasso, wrote on Twitter, "Orrin Hatch had a truly remarkable Senate career that spanned four decades. He was one of the most productive and effective legislators of our time. Utah and our entire country are better off today because of his service. I will miss his friendship and unfailing sense of humor." Senator Tim Scott said, "Today we lost a jewel and true American statesman in former Senator Orrin Hatch. He was a great colleague & mentor—and left a truly remarkable legacy in the Senate. My heart is with Elaine & the family."

"Sad to learn of the passing of my friend Orrin Hatch /I worked closely w Senator Hatch for 40yrs on the judic cmte +20 yrs on Finance cmte we had a very good friendship he has contributed so much to public policy& for the ppl of Utah Barbara & I send our sympathies to his family," Senator Chuck Grassley said. Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote, "Senator Hatch was kind to me and we worked together well. There were a lot of differences including party, height, age…you name it…but somehow we always looked for common ground. Prayers for his family today."

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