MOSCOW, January 4 (Sputnik) — Edward W. Brooke, a Republican from Massachusetts, who was the first African-American popularly elected to US Senate, has died at the age of 95, CNN reported, citing a family spokesperson.
Ralph Neas has confirmed that Brooke died Saturday at his home, surrounded by the family members.
"The Massachusetts Republican Party is proud to have had Senator Brooke as one of our party's leaders, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family," the CNN quoted the spokesperson for the Massachusetts Republican Party Kirsten Hughes as saying.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only black Republican serving in the Senate, has extended his condolences via Twitter.
Deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Edward Brooke. He was a true trailblazer; those of us who followed cannot thank him enough. #RIP
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) January 3, 2015
Brooke was elected to US Senate by popular vote in 1966 and served in office from 1967 to 1979.
