By MIKE FAHER and FRANK SOJAK
On Jan. 29, a day after U.S. Rep. John Murtha’s gallbladder was removed at a Maryland hospital, the congressman told his chief of staff John Hugya that he was “doing great” but had some discomfort.
But the situation changed dramatically just a few days later: Murtha’s large intestine had been cut during the surgery, and infection was setting in.
In the course of the following week, doctors could not control that infection, an emotional Hugya said Monday.
“It was hard on me for the past couple of days knowing that he was going to die,” Hugya said. “I was hoping that he would not die, but knowing that there was not much chance for him (was difficult).”
The Jan. 28 surgery was performed at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Murtha was later admitted to Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., where he died.
On Monday, a National Naval Medical Center spokesman said he could not comment other than to confirm that Murtha had been admitted to that hospital.
“In deference to the family’s request for privacy and in compliance with privacy laws, we are unable to provide details on the care that he received while there,” Navy spokesman Cappy Surette said.
Surette released statements from Navy officials offering condolences.
“The Navy and Marine Corps extend its deepest sympathies to the family of Chairman Murtha during this difficult time,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said in one of those statements.
“His unwavering support of our sailors and Marines, and in particular our wounded warriors, was well known and deeply appreciated.”
A spokesman said Murtha’s family was at his bedside when he died at 1:18 p.m.
Hugya said Murtha’s wife, Joyce, is receiving support from her three children.
“Joyce has been very strong in this,” Hugya said. “She’s strong, and I will be there with her.”
