John Thrasher, former FSU president and Florida House speaker, dies at 81
John Thrasher, the former president of Florida State University and a longtime state lawmaker, died Friday morning, his family said in a statement. He was 81.
Thrasher had been battling cancer before his death.
'The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits, and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health, and Cornerstone Hospice‚' Sarah Bascom, a spokesperson for Thrasher's family, said in a statement.
Thrasher will be buried in a private ceremony in Orange Park, Florida, and there will be a public celebration at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Hall on Aug. 19, according to the statement.
Thrasher, a longtime Republican, led Florida State University as president for about six years before retiring in 2021.
In Tallahassee, Thrasher served in the Florida House from 1992 to 2000, the last two years as House speaker. He also previously spent five years in the Florida Senate.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said on social media that he was sad to learn of Thrasher's death, saying he 'served the state well.'
'John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state,' DeSantis said.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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