Rep. Isaac Robinson Dies At Age 44

State Rep. Isaac Robinson (D-Detroit) has died. He was 44.

State Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) confirmed the news Sunday evening to the Michigan Advance.

“He was my guy,” Carter said, adding that he was “young, smart and funny.”

Carter was the first state lawmaker to announce he tested positive for the coronavirus. He said he’s “out of the woods” and feeling better.

Carter said he hadn’t seen Robinson for three or four weeks. He had been trying to call Robinson and last received a text on Thursday. Robinson was excused from the last House session on March 17. That lasted around 12 hours as lawmakers negotiated a COVID-19 supplemental spending bill.

On Sunday, Carter said he received a call from Robinson’s father and was told Robinson had passed away. Carter did not know if it was due to complications of COVID-19, although he was concerned.

Robinson was elected to the 4th District in 2018 and was in his first term. He succeeded his mother, former state Rep. Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit), who served from 2013 to 2018. Isaac Robinson was an attorney and formerly worked for the UAW. He endorsed U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for president and campaigned for him before Michigan’s March 10 primary.

He was active in the fight against COVID-19, which has torn through Detroit, co-hosting a conference call on March 16 on the impact on homeless people.

Robinson was remembered fondly by leaders in Michigan.

“Rep. Isaac Robinson had a huge heart, a quick wit, and a genuine passion for the people. I am very sad to hear of his passing. He was a fierce advocate for Detroiters and people across Southeast Michigan. He dedicated his career to ensuring justice and security for those he served, and the impact he had on his community will continue to be felt for years to come,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

“Rep. Robinson will be missed by many, including me. It was an honor to serve the people of Michigan alongside him. My deepest condolences go out his family and loved ones, and to the people of Detroit and Hamtramck who elected him as their voice in the House.”

State House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) said he was “saddened by this terrible loss. Isaac Robinson was a tremendous friend and colleague, and we will all feel the sting of his passing. My prayers go out to his family, friends and the representatives here in the House who worked closely with him and knew him best. He will be sorely missed by us all.

“I will remember Isaac as a proud son of Rose Mary, an accomplished attorney, and a talented and effective representative of the people,” Chatfield continued. “But most of all, I will remember him as a passionate defender of the City of Detroit and the people who lived there. He cared deeply for that city, and his genuine love for its residents shined through in everything he did and in every decision he made.”

House Minority Leader Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills) said in a statement: “It is with extreme sadness that I share the passing of Rep. Isaac Robinson who was a passionate advocate for his community and constituents. Our entire Democratic Caucus is devastated by the loss of our colleague and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Attorney General Dana Nessel wrote on Twitter: “There has never been a greater prince of a man than Isaac. No one who worked harder or loved his community more. No better person who has walked this earth. My heart is broken.”

This story was originally published by the Michigan Advance. For more stories from the Michigan Advance, visit MichiganAdvance.com.