WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., issued the following statement regarding the death of Gil Carmichael:

“Mississippians have lost a great man. Gil Carmichael was a brave, innovative, and forward-thinking leader who contributed to the success of our state. His valor as a member of the Coast Guard in 1952, helped save the lives of 70 men caught in a storm off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass. That dramatic rescue has inspired generations of Guardsmen and was recently memorialized in the film ‘The Finest Hours.’

“As a Republican pioneer in Mississippi, Gil took up the GOP standard at a time when many were reluctant to understand the importance of the two-party system. For the past 30 years, he has been an authoritative voice on our nation’s rail infrastructure. I was grateful to have his advice and counsel last year when I authored legislation to reform and improve America’s railways. Our nation is a better place today because of Gil Carmichael.

“Gayle and I have been personal friends of his for 44 years. We will miss him and his wise counsel.”