'She will be deeply missed': Tributes pour in after ex-congresswoman dies at 81

Tributes poured in for former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), an outspoken advocate for gun control, who died Thursday at 81.

McCarthy's death was announced by officials from her home region of Long Island and confirmed by her representative.

She earned a reputation for being a fierce advocate for gun control after her husband, Dennis McCarthy, died in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road mass shooting. He was among six people shot dead when a gunman opened fire on a commuter train. Their son Kevin was also critically wounded in the massacre.

McCarthy was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and underwent treatment. A specific cause of her death wasn't immediately known.

Democrats remembered her as a "tireless advocate for Long Island," and a "faithful servant."

"Rest in peace, good and faithful servant," Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) wrote on X, calling her one of the nation’s "great champions in the fight against gun violence."

"Carolyn channeled her grief and loss into advocacy for change, becoming one of the most dedicated gun violence prevention advocates," Suozzi said, later adding: "Our nation and our Island have lost a fierce champion."

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), a fierce gun control advocate who survived an assassination attempt after being shot in the head, said she was "saddened to learn" of McCarthy's death.

"I’m grateful for her courage and all the progress she championed," wrote Giffords on X. "May her work live on as we continue the fight to build a future free from gun violence."

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) said she was "proud to serve" with McCarthy in Congress.

"Carolyn was kind, principled, and strong. She will be deeply missed," wrote Hochul.

Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) said she was "sad to learn" of McCarthy's death, calling her a "tireless advocate for Long Island," which Gillen represents.

"We must honor her legacy by continuing her life's work to keep our communities and our children safe from the scourge of gun violence. My prayers are with her family and all those who knew and loved her," said Gillen.

And Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X that McCarthy was "one of New York’s very best."

"We worked together in the fight for gun safety, health care, education, and better transportation for Long Island. I'll miss her dearly, and I'm praying for her family," he wrote.