Goodloe Edgar Byron (June 22, 1929 – October 11, 1978) was an American Democratic politician who was the member of the United States House of Representatives for Maryland's 6th congressional district from 1971 until his death. He was succeeded by his widow, Beverly Byron.
Career
Byron attended The JAG School at the University of Virginia and entered U.S. Army JAG Corps. He served as a member of the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1953 to 1957, honorably discharged with the rank of captain. He earned his JD from The George Washington University He later was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates (1963–1967) and the Maryland State Senate (1967–1971). He was initially viewed as a highly conservative Democrat, particularly on environmental issues. He was pronounced dead at Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, at the age of 49.
According to nutritionist and longevity research pioneer Nathan Pritikin, Byron had run six Boston Marathons, with a best time of 3:28:40, and had not smoked for 25 years. He ignored warnings from his physician who told him that treadmill tests from 1974 to 1978 indicated his coronary arteries were gradually closing. The last treadmill test in January 1978 "indicated severe abnormality and was positive for heart disease." The physician advised Byron to stop running until further tests could be done.
Dr. Manuel G. Jimenez, who did the autopsy, said Byron had "only pinprick openings" in his coronary arteries because they were filled with cholesterol. "Congressman Byron's coronary arteries were worse than most I've autopsied."
See also
- List of members of the United States Congress who died in office (1950–1999)