RICHMOND, VA – Yesterday evening, the life of Shawn Soares, a longtime Democratic activist and stalwart advocate for his community, was tragically cut short following a traffic accident in Richmond. He was 26.

After the announcement of Shawn Soares’ passing, DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker issued the following statement:

“The Democratic Party of Virginia is heartbroken by the loss of a member of our Democratic family.

From working as an intern at the DPVA, to serving our Commonwealth in the Northam Administration and the office of the late Congressman Donald McEachin, Shawn was intimately involved at all levels of Democratic politics. After his recent election as the Virginia Young Democrats’ National Committee Representative, he should have been joining us as a member of the DPVA Central Committee.

Those who knew him will remember him not only as a bright, talented, kind-hearted activist, but as a dear friend. The staff and I are thankful for the moments we had with him. He was truly a part of our family. My heart is with his family, friends, VAYD, and our entire Democratic family.”

###