Jamie Raskin on Son's Obituary

Shares painful family obituary (strong)

TL;DR

Congressman Jamie Raskin shared his son's obituary following his tragic death by suicide at age 25.

Key Points

The Congressman and his wife released a statement mourning their son, Thomas (Tommy) Bloom Raskin, who died by suicide on December 31, 2020, at age 25.
He shared the obituary following the death, which detailed his son's life, including his time as a student at Harvard Law School.
Following the loss, some constituents expressed pride in his continued service and his handling of the tragedy while grieving.

Summary

Congressman Jamie Raskin publicly shared the obituary for his son, Thomas Bloom Raskin, following his death on New Year's Eve 2020 at the age of 25, an event that deeply affected the congressman and his family. The family's statement, which accompanied the obituary, described them as "demolished" by the loss and mentioned that their son died by suicide. Raskin, an alumnus of Harvard Law School, where his son was also a student, later spoke about the profound personal pain while continuing his political duties, including being present for a critical vote shortly after his son's passing.

The shared obituary served as a comprehensive tribute, detailing aspects of Thomas Raskin’s life, including his intellectual pursuits and advocacy, prompting public support for the congressman amidst his grief. Discussions surrounding the obituary, particularly one that mentioned his son's critique of a political figure, sparked debate online about the inclusion of political commentary in such personal tributes. Despite the controversy for some readers, many constituents expressed pride in his handling of the tragedy and his resilience while serving in office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jamie Raskin's position on Son's Obituary?

Jamie Raskin's position involves the sharing of his son Thomas's obituary following his death in late 2020. He and his wife released a statement describing the family as "demolished" by the loss. The congressman shared this deeply personal document publicly.

Did Jamie Raskin write his son's obituary?

The sources indicate that Congressman Jamie Raskin and his wife, Sarah Bloom Raskin, released a joint statement concerning their son, Thomas Bloom Raskin, following his passing. This statement accompanied the obituary that was shared with the public.

What did Jamie Raskin say about his son's obituary?

The congressman's primary action regarding the obituary was to share it publicly, letting his son's life be honored through the published tribute. He also faced public commentary on the inclusion of political elements within the obituary's text.