Richard Trumka, head of powerful AFL-CIO union, has died at the age of 72. 

In a statement on Thursday, AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner, said, “Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement.”

“He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend.”

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At the age of 33, Trumka was elected the youngest president of the United Mine Workers of America. He had led the AFL-CIO as president since 2009. His net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. His gross salary as the president was $272,250.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced his passing on the Senate floor on Thursday.

“I rise today with some sad, some horrible, news about the passing of a great friend, Rich Trumka, who left us this morning. The working people of America have lost a fierce warrior at a time when we needed him most. Rich Trumka was the working people of America. I wanted to inform my colleagues that we have just lost a giant, and we need him so.”

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Elizabeth H. Shuler, the Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, took to Twitter to offer her condolences. 

“The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today – and I lost a dear friend. Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the UMWA to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement,” she wrote.

“Rich was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, and even as we mourn his passing today, we will stand on his shoulders to continue the fight for workers, and for the fair and just society he believed in so passionately. We will honor his legacy with action.”