Louisiana State Representative Reggie Bagala Dies After Battling COVID-19

Louisiana State Representative Reggie Bagala has died after battling COVID-19.

The 54-year-old Bagala represented District 54, which includes Larose, Cut Off, and Grand Isle.

He has been a part of the House of Representatives since being elected in 2019.

Bagala was hospitalized last week. He becomes the first member of the Louisiana Legislature to die from COVID-19.

"A successful businessman, devoted family man, and active volunteer, Rep. Bagala spent his life making his community and south Louisiana a better place to live for everyone," said Gov. John Bel Edwards in a statement released Thursday night.

Reggie Bagala is survived by his wife Marissa and one son, Tristan.