WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement after learning that former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) has passed away:

“I was very sad to hear that former Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina has passed away. Kay was warm and welcoming when we first met at a People Magazine photo shoot for the Senate’s ‘Leading Ladies’ after I was elected in 2012. I have fond memories of working with her when we served on the Senate Armed Services Committee together as leaders of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats. Senator Hagan was dedicated to serving her state and our country. My deepest sympathies are with her family.”