WASHINGTON — Doug McCain, a Navy pilot and the eldest child of late Sen. John McCain, has died suddenly at the age of 66, his family announced.

The cause of death is not immediately clear.

“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. “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.”

The younger McCain is survived by his wife, Ashley; mother, Carol; two children; and extended family.
Doug was the son of John McCain’s first wife Carol Shepp, and McCain adopted him when he and Shepp married in 1965. The late senator later divorced his first wife and married Cindy in 1980. Cindy is Meghan’s mother.

The late senator had met his first wife during his time in the Navy through their mutual friend, Alasdair Swanson, who was Doug’s biological father. Swanson and Carol had been married for about six years until she alleged he had cheated on her and divorced him.

After marrying Carol, McCain adopted her two sons, Doug and Andrew.

Initially, her children clashed with John after the divorce from Carol in 1980, but ultimately managed to reconcile with him over time, the New York Times reported in 2000.

Doug McCain grew up in Jacksonville, Fla.

An obituary for the McCain scion revealed that he died last Wednesday. Services will be held for him next weekend. 

“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,” his obituary said.

“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 had seven children, died from an aggressive cancerous brain tumor in 2018.