PITTSBURGH \u2014 A former congressman who represented the Pittsbugh area for 15 years has died. <\/p>\n
Former Allegheny County Councilman and GOP Chair Sam DeMarco confirms to Channel 11 that Congress Tim Murphy (R-18) has died. He was 73. <\/p>\n
Murphy, an Upper St. Clair psychologist, served in Congress from 2003 until his resignation in 2017 following the release of texts where he asked a woman he had an affair with to get an abortion. <\/p>\n
A news advisory says Murphy died at home of an apparent heart attack. <\/p>\n
During his 15-year Congressional career, Murphy championed mental health reform. <\/p>\n
Murphy was the prime sponsor of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which was incorporated into the 21st Century Cures Act and signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2016. <\/p>\n
He also wrote a report on the opioid crisis, offering 42 policy and regulatory change recommendations, and chaired nearly a dozen Congressional investigations. <\/p>\n
Before his congressional career, Murphy served in the Pennsylvania Senate from 1996 to 2002 and served in the United States Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps. Upon his retirement from Congress, he became a private practice psychologist and worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.<\/p>\n
The Republican Committee of Allegheny County remembers Murphy as dedicated to representing his constituents and serving his country with \u201cconviction and commitment.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are grateful for his contributions and the lasting impact he made on his community and our nation,\u201d the Republican Committee of Allegheny County statement said in part. <\/p>\n
A number of politicians have since reacted to the news of Murphy\u2019s passing. <\/p>\n
Sen. Dave McCormick remembers Murphy as a friend whom he respected for his commitment to serving others. <\/p>\n
Dina and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Tim Murphy.<\/p>\n
Tim was a friend and I deeply respected his commitment to serving others. For more than 20 years, Tim served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania\u2014first in the State Senate and later in Congress. He also served his\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) July 19, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman said he was \u201cdevastated\u201d to learn of the death of his former boss and one of his \u201cmost influential political mentors.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cTim was a true statesman who cared deeply about the people he represented. Whether you agreed with his policies or not, no one could deny his unwavering commitment to his constituents or the tireless work ethic he brought to public service every single day. He was one of the hardest-working people I\u2019ve ever known,\u201d Sherman\u2019s statement said in part. <\/p>\n Channel 11 is working to learn more about this breaking news story. Check back for updates. <\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n