John McCain’s son Douglas dies aged 66 as stepsister Meghan pays tribute to ‘wonderful man’

Tributes have been paid to the late GOP Senator John McCain’s adopted son Douglas Shepp McCain, after his death aged 66.

The former Navy pilot passed away on Wednesday, his family announced, though his cause of death is not yet clear.

McCain’s stepsister Meghan, political commentator and former co-host of The View, said she was “deeply saddened” to share the news.

“He was a truly wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life,” she wrote on X.

“He brought humor, fun and great conversation to every room. I will cherish our memories together. ​Our prayers are with his wife Ashley and children Caroline and Shepp.”​

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Douglas McCain grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and went on to major in Systems Engineering at the University of Virginia. ​It was at university that he met his wife Ashley. ​

After graduating, he joined the Navy and spent six years flying A-6 Intruders before beginning a long career at American Airlines. ​

“Doug could always be counted on to tell you what he knew and, more often than not, explain why he was right,” his online obituary said. “He secretly loved his ‘World Book’ nickname and hated that Google eventually put him out of business.”

​The obituary described him as a “loving father” to his daughter Caroline McCain Hendrickson and his son Douglas Shepp McCain Jr., and as having found “great joy” in becoming a grandfather. ​

“Doug will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyal friendships, and his unwavering love for his family,” the obituary concluded. “He will be dearly missed by those close to him.”

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McCain was the biological son of Alasdair Swanson and Carol Shepp McCain, but was adopted by John McCain in 1966. Shepp and Senator McCain divorced in 1980, with the politician going on to marry his second wife Cindy.

​In the 2018 documentary John McCain: For Whom The Bell Tolls, Doug McCain said that his upbringing was “different”.​

“I have a good relationship with Cindy, as do my brother and sister,” he said. “And I have a good relationship with Meghan, Jack, Jimmy and Bridget. ​

“We're not extraordinarily close, but if I ever need something, I know how to reach them.”​

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His father Senator McCain died in 2018 at the age of 81, following a battle with glioblastoma. ​

The McCain Institute shared an image of Doug and his father on X, describing the former as a “patriot” and a friend to many of the organization’s “alumni.”​

News of Doug’s death comes just months after Meghan McCain announced she had welcomed her third child with her husband Ben Domenech.

Ransom McCain Domenech, the couple’s first son, was born on January 2, People reported.

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