Doug McCain, the eldest son of the late Sen. John McCain, died suddenly at age 66, his family announced. Meghan McCain wrote on social media Saturday that her brother Doug McCain had died, and his obituary said he died on May 20.
Meghan said, "I am deeply saddened to share the news of my brother Doug McCain's sudden passing" and added, "He was a truly wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life. He brought humor, fun and great conversation to every room." She also wrote, "I will cherish our memories together."
McCain family statement
The McCain Institute said McCain "will be remembered as a patriot and friend to the many alumni of Sen. McCain's Institute, campaigns & Senate staff." The statement placed his death within the family and public network built around John McCain's work, where Douglas was remembered by people connected to the senator's campaigns and Senate office.
Douglas McCain served in the Navy for six years as an A-6 Intruder pilot before later working as a pilot at American Airlines. His obituary said John McCain adopted Douglas after marrying Carol Shepp in 1965, and the two later divorced in 1980.
Douglas McCain’s family
He is survived by his wife Ashley, his two children Caroline and Douglas, and his mother Carol Shepp. The family connection remained central to the public reaction, with Meghan McCain framing her brother as a steady presence in her life while the McCain Institute tied him to the senator's broader circle of alumni and staff.
His death closes the story of John McCain's eldest son and leaves the family remembering a private loss that was shared publicly only after Meghan McCain's post on Saturday. For readers who knew the McCain name through politics, the immediate record now centers on Douglas McCain's Navy service, his career at American Airlines, and the family members named in the obituary.
