Danise Baird, wife of Indiana Republican Rep. Jim Baird, died early Sunday from complications stemming from a hit-and-run car crash in January.
Danise, 80, sustained more than a dozen fractures in the January 5 collision while the couple was returning to Washington, DC. Both were hospitalized following the crash, with Jim released on January 6 and Danise discharged a week later.
The Incident and Recovery
President Trump announced that both the congressman and his wife were expected to recover from the “pretty bad” crash. Jim Baird, also 80, was released quickly and wore a neck brace temporarily after his discharge.
Danise suffered 15 fractures and breaks from the collision. Their son Beau Baird posted on Facebook in early February that his mother had taken her “first assisted steps” since the accident, noting the family anticipated “there’s still a road ahead.”
On Sunday, Beau posted the time and date of his mother’s passing before his father’s office released an official statement. “Congressman Baird and Danise were married for 59 years, building a life centered on faith, family, and service,” the statement read.
Congressional Tributes
Multiple lawmakers expressed condolences to the congressman and his family. “Jim’s wife Danise was often by his side as he worked so hard in Congress on behalf of his constituents,” New York Rep. Elise Stefanik wrote on X.
Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon stated, “Our sympathies and condolences to Jim and his family. We admire them both and their 59 years of marriage.”
Indiana State Rep. Jake Teshka added, “Join me in praying for Jim, my good friend Beau and their entire family.”
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
