John McCain's Eldest Son Douglas Shepp McCain Dies Suddenly at Age 66

The eldest son of late Republican Sen. John McCain, Douglas Shepp McCain, has sadly passed away at the age of 66.

Doug was adopted by McCain after his marriage to Carol Shepp in 1965.

He was also a veteran who had served as a pilot in the Navy for six years.

He was the son of a military hero who had a long career in the Senate before his death in 2018 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. The younger McCain flew A-6 Intruders in the Navy for six years before going on to work as a pilot at American Airlines…

He is survived by his wife Ashley, his two children, Caroline and Douglas, and his mother, Carol Shepp, along with his siblings and step-siblings. John McCain adopted Douglas after his marriage to Shepp in 1965. John and Shepp divorced in 1980, and he went on to marry Cindy McCain.

The McCain Institute announced the tragic news of his passing:

We extend our condolences to the McCain family following the passing of Douglas “Doug” Shepp McCain, the eldest son of John McCain. A Navy pilot like his father, Doug will be remembered as a patriot and friend to the many alumni of Sen. McCain’s Institute, campaigns & Senate… pic.twitter.com/7qN8VrltAs

— McCain Institute (@McCainInstitute) May 23, 2026

Doug’s sister, Meghan McCain, also released a statement on her brother’s untimely death:

I am deeply saddened to share the news of my brother Doug McCain’s sudden passing. He was a truly wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life. He brought humor, fun and great conversation to every room. I will cherish our memories together. Our prayers are with his… https://t.co/BAwrfbu9bj

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) May 24, 2026

I am deeply saddened to share the news of my brother Doug McCain’s sudden passing. He was a truly wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life. 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.

The cause of McCain’s death has not been revealed, at this time.

But, we know his death was sudden.

His obituary reads:

Douglas Shepp McCain died suddenly on May 20, 2026. Doug was born on October 4, 1959, in Pensacola, FL. He grew up in Jacksonville, FL, enjoying surfing, baseball, and soccer. He graduated from Jacksonville Episcopal High School in 1977. He went to the University of Virginia (go Hoos!), where he majored in Systems Engineering, pledged SAE, participated in Navy ROTC, and luckily met his future bride, Ashley. After graduating in 1982, he joined the Navy to learn to fly. He spent six years flying A-6 Intruders before beginning a long career with American Airlines, where he excelled and found work he truly loved, especially after making captain.

Doug could always be counted on to tell you what he knew and, more often than not, explain why he was right. He secretly loved his “World Book” nickname and hated that Google eventually put him out of business. He enjoyed golf and was very proud to hold the McCain family record of three holes-in-one. He was a loyal friend to many and cherished each and every friendship. He was a devoted son, a loving father to Caroline and Shepp, and most recently found great joy in being Teddy’s grandfather. Doug will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyal friendships, and his unwavering love for his family. He will be dearly missed by those close to him.

This is very sad news for the family.

Please keep them in your prayers in this time of grief and loss.

Rest in peace, Doug.