Who Was Doug McCain? Oldest Son of Senator John McCain Dies Suddenly Aged 66 As Family Shares Heartfelt Tribute

Doug McCain, a Navy pilot and the oldest son of late Senator John McCain, has died unexpectedly at the age of 66, his family announced. The cause of his death has not yet been revealed. “I am deeply saddened to share the news of my brother Doug McCain’s sudden passing,” Meghan McCain said in a public tribute to her brother.

“He was a truly wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life,” she added without sharing further details about his death. “He brought humor, fun and great conversation to every room. I will cherish our memories together. Our prayers are with his wife Ashley and children Caroline and Shepp.”

Sudden and Unexpected Death

McCain is survived by his wife, Ashley, his mother, Carol, his two children, and other family members. Doug was the son of Carol Shepp, whom John McCain married in 1965 and later adopted Doug as his own son. The late senator and Carol eventually divorced, and McCain went on to marry Cindy McCain in 1980. Cindy is also the mother of Meghan McCain.

The late senator first met his future wife, Carol, during his time in the Navy through their mutual friend Alasdair Swanson, who was Doug’s biological father. Carol and Swanson had been married for around six years before their marriage ended in divorce after she accused him of infidelity.

After marrying Carol, John McCain adopted her two sons, Doug and Andrew, and raised them as his own children.

Carol’s children initially had a strained relationship with McCain following his divorce from their mother in 1980, but they were eventually able to rebuild and reconcile with him over the years, The New York Times reported in 2000.

Star in His Own Right

Doug McCain was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He passed away last Wednesday, and funeral services are scheduled to take place next weekend, according to his obituary.

“He was a loyal friend to many and cherished each and every friendship. He was a devoted son, a loving father to Caroline and Shepp, and most recently found great joy in being Teddy’s grandfather,” the obituary read.

“Doug will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyal friendships, and his unwavering love for his family. He will be dearly missed by those close to him.”

John McCain, who was the father of seven children, died in 2018 after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer.