Tim Murphy, a former U.S. representative for Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District, died Sunday. He was 73.
Murphy, a Republican who lived in Upper St. Clair, was first elected to Congress in 2002 after serving in Pennsylvania’s state Senate from 1997 to 2003. His death was announced in a statement by the Republican Committee of Allegheny County, although no cause was given.
During his time in Congress, Murphy devoted much of his legislative career to the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. His legislation — described by some as the most sweeping change in mental health policy in decades — was incorporated into the 21st Century Cures Act signed into law in 2016 by President Barack Obama.
A psychologist by training who taught at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and later served in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps, he spent 15 years in Congress. He resigned in October 2017 amid revelations of an extramarital affair and allegations that he had urged a woman with whom he was involved to seek an abortion, despite his longstanding anti-abortion record.
Former colleagues on Sunday shared remembrances and condolences.
“I was devastated to hear the completely unexpected news of Congressman Tim Murphy’s passing,” said Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman, who served as Murphy’s field director from 2003 to 2005, in a statement.
“Twenty years ago, Tim was my boss. In the years since, he became a dear friend and one of my most influential political mentors.”
Calling him a “true statesman who cared deeply about the people he represented,” Sherman remembered Murphy’s commitment to his constituents and tireless work ethic. “He was one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known.”
The Republican Committee of Allegheny County posted that “we are grateful for his contributions and the lasting impact he made on his community and our nation.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. May they find comfort during this difficult time,” the post stated.
Conor Lamb, a Democrat who became the District 18 representative upon Murphy’s resignation, said in a post that he respected Murphy’s commitment to public service. “I’m sorry to hear of Tim’s passing,” the post said. “In addition to serving in Congress, he joined the Navy Reserve after 9/11, a reflection of his commitment to public service that I always respected. May God bless and keep him.”
Jay Costa, the state Senate minority leader, said in a post that he had the opportunity to work with Murphy on issues “we both felt passionately about — like expanding access to pre-K for all children.”
Colin McNickle, former editorial page editor and columnist for the Tribune-Review and now communications and marketing director at the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy, sparred with Murphy for decades. On Sunday, he credited the former congressman with a praiseworthy achievement that subscribed to no political creed.
“Mr. Murphy’s steadfast devotion to improving mental health services for those on the fringes and in dire need of such help is a legacy for which he long will be remembered,” McNickle said in a text message.