The Champaign County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that State Senator Scott Bennett passed away at 1:15 PM, Friday afternoon December 9th, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. The Coroner’s Office stated that Mr. Bennett’s death was due to natural causes, and that no autopsy is scheduled.
Bennett had represented the 52nd Illinois State Senate District since 2015, when he replaced Mike Frerichs upon his election as Illinois State Treasurer in 2014.
State Senator Scott Bennett in Neuhoff Media studios, June of 2021.
Stacy Bennett releases statement regarding her husband, Senator Scott Bennett
CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott M. Bennett (D-Champaign) passed earlier today surrounded by his wife, family and loved ones at Carle Hospital in Urbana from complications of a large brain tumor.
His wife Stacy released the following statement:
“We are devastated to share that our beloved Scott has passed away. We remain in complete shock because it was all so sudden and unexpected.
“Scott will forever be known for being an extraordinary father, husband, and friend. His quick humor and wit could light up any room he entered. We will miss his stories, the way he could always make people laugh, and his genuine kindness.
“Scott lived a life full of service and constantly looked for ways to lend his time and energy to helping our community and state. He worked tirelessly to find solutions to society’s most pressing issues by finding common ground and compromise. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement.
“We appreciate the amazing care he received at Carle Foundation Hospital and thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff who provided Scott with excellent care and support for his family. We are also grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Scott’s impact on our community is very evident.
“At this time, we ask that our privacy is respected as we navigate this difficult time.”
Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) statement on Senator Bennett’s death“I was devastated today to learn of the death of Senator Scott Bennett.“My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his wife Stacy and their children during this unimaginably difficult tim“I ask the media and others to respect their privacy.”
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs
On the Passing of Illinois Senator Scott Bennett
“I can’t believe Scott is gone. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and to me, one of my closest friends.
“He fought for people as an assistant state’s attorney and continued to fight for people as an Illinois State Senator. He was not afraid of the difficult issues and there was no challenge too big for him to tackle.
“Scott had a big laugh and an even bigger heart. He made friends easily, understood the value of hard work, and was quick with words of encouragement at just the right time. Certainly, he learned these truths from his family, which date back five generations in East Central Illinois. Today, they remain deeply committed to helping neighbors, especially their fellow farmers, because it simply is the right thing to do.
“Where he really shined, however, was with his wife, Stacy, and their twins. My heart breaks for their loss and the unimaginable grief and emptiness they must feel. I pray the memories they have of better times will strengthen and sustain them in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. I pray they will strengthen and sustain me too.”
“Farewell, Scott. You always will be my friend.”
Bennett was appointed to the Senate seat held by Frerichs after he was sworn-in as Illinois State Treasurer in 2015.
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF
SENATOR SCOTT BENNETT
Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Senator Scott Bennett.
“I am shocked and saddened to hear we have lost a devoted husband, father, friend, and public servant today. I had the honor to serve beside Senator Scott Bennett and I called him a friend. We worked closely together on numerous pieces of legislation to protect the people of Illinois. Senator Bennett was a passionate advocate for his constituents and was able to fight for them while maintaining genuine and unwavering civility. At a time of increased rancor and partisan divide, Scott treated those around him with dignity and garnered respect from both sides of the aisle. This is a tragic loss to the state of Illinois. My heart breaks for Scott’s wife and young children, and I wish them peace and comfort as they mourn their husband and father.”
