Maryland’s House Speaker Michael Busch dies

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Michael Busch, the longest-serving house speaker in state history, passed away Sunday after being hospitalized for pneumonia.

Busch’s staff members say he was admitted to the hospital because his breathing took a significant turn for the worse.

72-year-old Busch was a Democrat who had served in the House of Delegates since 1987 and as Speaker since 2003.

He was also a former athlete who continued to work as a coach and mentor all his life, and was affectionately referred to as ‘Coach’ by his colleagues.

Shortly after news of Busch’s death began to circulate, Governor Larry Hogan said in a tweet that this “Is a profoundly sad day for Maryland” and that Busch was a “Giant in our government… Who cared deeply about improving the lives of Marylanders.”

Flags in the state will fly at half-staff in honor of Busch up until sunset on the day of his internment.