Longtime RI Congressional Candidate Chris Young Killed In Crash

CRANSTON, RI — A well-known figure in Rhode Island politics was killed in a crash on Interstate 95 South on Tuesday night. Christopher Young, 51, died after his vehicle rolled over south of the Route 37 exit in Cranston, according to Rhode Island State Police.

Young's wife Kara wrote on Facebook that the crash happened after Young suffered a "medical event," likely a heart attack, while driving.

"I can't believe I am writing this," Kara Young wrote. "I can't believe this has happened. Words really cannot express our grief. We love him with all our heart."

According to police, the crash happened around 8:40 p.m. when the Young left the roadway, veered into the shoulder and rolled over. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The two others in the car at the time were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Kara Young said they were driving home from the Rhode Island State House after testifying in favor of the anti-abortion "Fetal Heartbeat Bill" legislation, saying he "was fighting against the horrific tide of abortion-lust at the Statehouse."

Young was a well-known name in Rhode Island's political sphere, challenging Congressman David Cicilline in each election since 2012. Each year, he was defeated by the incumbent Democrat in the primary election.

A Narragansett resident and Providence native, Young attended Classical High School and attended Northeastern University and the University of Rhode Island, where he earned an engineering degree, according to Ballotpedia.