Daughter Of PW County Delegate Dies After Sickle Cell Disease Battle

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The daughter of a Virginia delegate who represents parts of Prince William and Stafford counties has died.

Del. Candi Mundon King and Deputy Sheriff Joshua King's daughter, Candis King, died after a battle with sickle cell disease over the weekend. According to Potomac Local, Colgan High School's principal shared the announcement as well, since the daughter attended Colgan.

"Candis lived a beautiful life and had just celebrated her 15th birthday," the King family said in a statement. "She was a talented singer and dancer, a proud member of her high school's Color Guard, and she had a special love for Transformers. Above all, she was deeply loved and cherished by her family."

The family asked for privacy to grieve the loss. The delegate indicated she would step away from her campaign to be with her family at this time.

Condolences poured in from officials around Virginia.

"No parent should ever experience the loss of a child at the hands of a cruel and unforgiving illness," House Speaker Don Scott shared on social media. "Delegate King is one of the bravest, kindest, and most remarkable people I know. From the moment you meet her, you feel her strength and her light. She is a fighter for her community, a bold voice for the disabled, and above all—a loving mother who would move mountains for her children."

Scott continued, "The Virginia House of Delegates is a family, and today, our family is grieving. We stand with the Kings in prayer, lifting them up in love and in strength."

Gov. Glenn Youngkin offered condolences to King's family.

"Suzanne and I are heartbroken for Delegate Candi Mundon King, her husband, and their children after the loss of their daughter and sister," Youngkin shared. "I am asking all Virginians to pray for peace that passes understanding and healing for the family and friends of Candis, as we know that she is with the Lord and there is no pain and suffering in Heaven."

King had just shared a post recognizing Sickle Cell Awareness Month over the weekend.

"Instead of celebrating the wins during Sickle Cell Awareness Month, I spent most of the month navigating hospitals and doctors with my own sickle cell warrior," the delegate wrote.
"SC continues to find new ways to inflict pain upon my baby. Indescribable pain. But she is strong, and so is her mama."

Sickle cell disease is a group of red blood cell disorders that involves abnormal hemoglobin that results in red blood cells becoming hard and sticky. That can lead to a red blood cell shortage as well as pain and complications like infections, acute chest syndrome and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are treatments and strategies to address pain and reduce changes of complications from the disease.

King, a Democrat, represents part of southern Prince William County and northern Stafford County. She is up for re-election in the 23rd House of Delegates district in November, as all House seats are on the ballot.