California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa died suddenly at the age of 65, while a second GOP lawmaker was hospitalized in a separate incident, sending shockwaves through Congress on Tuesday, on the first day back from winter recess. 

LaMalfa (R-Calif.), who had represented the Golden State’s 1st Congressional District since 2013, had chaired the Congressional Western Caucus. His cause of death is not immediately clear.

“Early this morning Congressman Doug LaMalfa returned home to the Lord. He leaves a lasting legacy of servant leadership [and] kindness to the North State,” a statement from LaMalfa’s chief of staff, Mark Spannagel, said. 

“His humor and work effort are legendary – with one reporter once saying he’d look in the back yard of every BBQ just to see if Doug was there visiting.”

While his cause of death is under investigation, one of LaMalfa’s friends told Action News that the lawmaker suffered from a local aortic aneurysm and died during surgery at Enloe Health in Chico.

As soon as news broke Tuesday morning of LaMalfa’s passing, Republicans learned that colleague Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.), 80, is recovering from a car crash.

“Congressman Baird is in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, and he is extraordinarily grateful for everyone’s prayers during this time,” a rep for his office said in a statement.

President Trump mourned LaMalfa’s passing during his address to House Republicans who gathered at the Trump-Kennedy Center for a policy retreat. 

“A fierce champion on California water issues. He was great on water. A true defender of American children,” Trump told GOP House members. “He was a defender of everybody. And our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family.”

The president also announced that Baird’s accident was serious.

“I also want to send our best wishes to Congressman Jim Baird and his wife, who are recovering from a car accident,” Trump said. “They are going to be okay but they had a pretty bad accident and we’re praying that they get out of the hospital very quickly.”

Tributes quickly poured in from other top Republicans. 

“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa,” added House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), who was one of the earliest Republicans to confirm LaMalfa’s passing, in a statement.

“Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.

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LaMalfa’s passing now brings the GOP’s threadbare majority even slimmer after the retirement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Monday. Now Republicans have a 218-213 majority, meaning they have a two-vote margin. Baird’s absence will make the math even harder for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). 

His majority is set to shrink further after the Jan. 31 runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which is set to give Democrats one more seat in the lower chamber. 

But that ultra-slim majority includes libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has a knack for opposing his fellow Republicans on marquee legislation, drawing scorn from Trump. 

“I am deeply stunned and incredibly saddened by the news of my friend Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s passing,” said Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC).

LaMalfa is the first representative to die this year, but the fourth in the current, 119th Congress, following the tragic passing of former Reps. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) last year. 

The 119th Congress has now seen nine lawmakers leave the lower chamber early due to early retirements from former Reps. Greene, Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) 

There are currently four vacancies in the House. 

The late congressman was well-known for his deep knowledge of water and forestry issues. He was also one of several Republicans targeted by California Democrats in their efforts to combat Texas’ mid-decade redistricting efforts. 

“Doug was a principled conservative and a tireless advocate for the people of Northern California. He was never afraid to fight for rural communities, farmers, and working families. Doug brought grit, authenticity, and conviction to everything he did in public service,” Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) said in a statement.

“I cherished our time serving together on the Agriculture Committee and discussing NASCAR- he was a real gear head and motorsports fan. I will deeply miss my ‘amigo,'” he added.