Former US Senator, West Virginia Gov. Jay Rockefeller dies at 89

John D. "Jay" Rockefeller, who served as governor of West Virginia and five terms in the Senate, died Friday at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 89. 

In a statement on Facebook, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised Rockefeller's work in the state's "most disadvantaged communities," as well as his efforts to protect coal miners, support veterans and strengthen healthcare. 

"Senator Rockefeller demonstrated a deep commitment to the people of West Virginia. His work helped shape our state and left a lasting mark on the lives of generations of West Virginians," Morrisey said. 

Rockefeller, a Democrat, ran for governor in 1972, but lost to incumbent Arch Moore. He ran again in 1976, winning the election and going on to serve two terms. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1984 and served through 2014, when he chose not to run for reelection, DC News Now reported.