Meghan McCain Speaks Out After Brother Doug McCain’s Sudden Death

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Meghan McCain is honoring the life of her brother Douglas McCain.

It was so sad to hear about the passing of John McCain’s eldest son, at 66. As someone who admired his father, and knowing the impact the McCain family has had, I wanted to share my respect for his life and legacy. It’s lovely to see tributes coming in, like the one from his mother, who was a guest on The View.

Meghan shared the heartbreaking news on X on May 24th that her brother, Doug McCain, had unexpectedly passed away. She described him as a kind and cheerful person who was a constant source of support and brought laughter and engaging conversation to everyone around him. She said she will always treasure the memories they shared.

She added, “Our prayers are with his wife Ashley and children Caroline and Shepp.”

Doug died “suddenly” on May 20, according to an online obituary. He was 66. 

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, he went to the University of Virginia and earned a degree in Systems Engineering in 1982. He then joined the Navy and trained as an A-6 Intruder pilot. Later, he had a successful career with American Airlines, ultimately working as a captain.

Doug recently discussed his childhood, noting he was the oldest of John McCain’s children. John had three children with his first wife, Carol Shepp – Andrew, 64, Sidney, 59, and Meghan, 41 – and four with his wife, Cindy McCain: John IV, 39, James, 37, and Bridget, 34.

He admitted it took some adjustment, saying in the 2018 documentary John McCain: For Whom The Bell Tolls, “I have a good relationship with Cindy, and that extends to my brother and sister. I’m also close with Meghan, Jack, Jimmy, and Bridget. We aren’t incredibly close-knit, but I know I can always count on them if I need anything.”

He fondly remembered a typical childhood filled with the kinds of activities fathers and sons share. They lived in a neighborhood populated mostly by Navy pilot families, meaning there were always lots of children around. Because families were frequently transferred, the kids were constantly changing, but there was never a shortage of fun things to do.

Although Doug was a skilled pilot when he passed away, he’ll be most fondly remembered for being a wonderful father and husband.

The obituary described him as a truly loyal friend who deeply valued all of his friendships. He was also a loving son and father to Caroline and Shepp, and he especially enjoyed being a grandfather to Teddy.

I’ll always remember Doug as someone with a truly kind and generous spirit. He was a wonderful friend – incredibly loyal to those he cared about – and his family meant everything to him. He’ll be deeply missed by all of us who loved him.

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2026-05-24 21:47