Joe Wurzelbacher, also known as Joe the Plumber, died at the age of 49 from pancreatic cancer. Wurzelbacher rose to fame during the 2008 presidential campaign after clashing with former President Barack Obama over his tax plan.
Joe the Plumber was the star of the 2008 campaign debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. The then-Republican candidate for the White House claimed Obama's tax plan would harm everyday people like himself.
Radio host Derek Hunter announced in a post on X (Twitter) that Wurzelbacher was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2023 and died Sunday.
Horrible news. My good friend Joe Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, passed away this morning at the age of 49 from pancreatic cancer. He was a good man and an exceptional friend. Please consider helping his widow and young children here https://t.co/oFczc0urX2
— Derek Hunter (@derekahunter) August 27, 2023
Joe Wurzelbacher is survived by his wife Katie, their three young children — Samantha Jo, Henry and Sarah Jo — and his adult son, Joey, from a previous marriage. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help Wurzelbacher's family. So far, more than $130,000 has been raised.
