Texas Congressman Ron Wright has become the first member of the United States’ Lower House to die from the coronavirus (COVID-19), his family confirmed on Monday (February 8).

The 67-year-old Republican was diagnosed with the disease back in January, during which time, Wright, in a statement, said he was experiencing “minor symptoms”.

Wright was also diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019, though it is not immediately clear at what stage it was discovered or if he had commenced treatment.

“As friends, family, and many of his constituents will know, Ron maintained his quick wit and optimism until the very end,” the congressman’s office said in a statement. “Despite years of painful, sometimes debilitating treatment for cancer, Ron never lacked the desire to get up and go to work, to motivate those around him, or to offer fatherly advice.”