Blake Farenthold: “Recently, my office faced a tragedy when we received word that my former field representative Collin Kennedy had passed…”

“Recently, my office faced a tragedy when we received word that my former field representative Collin Kennedy had passed away due to injuries he had suffered in an accident. A Manassas, Virginia, native and a West Virginia University graduate, politics ran in Collin's blood. He had worked on numerous campaigns for the Republican National Committee and interned on Capitol Hill before beginning work in my office in 2015, where he worked until last September. Collin, who was 27, served as my field representative in Victoria, Bastrop, Lavaca, Caldwell, and Gonzales Counties, where he was known for his boundless enthusiasm, positive outlook, and passion for life. Since his death, dozens of people have left notes and messages about the strong relationship that they have shared with Collin and the lasting impact he left on our communities. They spoke of his kindness, his great attitude, and his constant willingness to lend a hand. They shared their fond memories of him attending ribbon cuttings, banquets, community meetings, and more. One of my current staff wrote a touching tribute that described Collin as ``the gold standard of what it means to be a friend and colleague,'' and I couldn't agree more. Collin's outsized personality and exuberance were well known, and his ability to reach people and connect with them was extraordinary. I have to admit, I was a little worried hiring a West Virginian to work in Texas. He was going to be my eyes and ears.…”