Chuck Oxley passes away

From an email tonight from the Idaho Democratic Party. Sad news, indeed.

Democrats extend sympathy to family of former staffer, newsman

The Idaho Democratic Party is saddened to learn of the death of Chuck Oxley, who served as party communications director from July 2005 through August 2008. Oxley died in a one-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 26 in Eastern Idaho on Saturday afternoon, October 3, 2009.

Oxley played a key role in directing media for the record-setting 2008 Idaho Democratic presidential caucuses, including the Ada County caucuses that drew more than 8,000 voters to Qwest Arena. A former reporter for the Associated Press and editor at the Idaho Statesman, he had recently resumed his journalism career as managing editor of the Blackfoot Morning News.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Chuck’s family, friends and colleagues,” said Julie Fanselow, the party’s current communications director. “He had been learning to fly and enjoying his new job, and his death is certainly a shock to all of us who knew him.”

And from the Idaho State Police:

Idaho State Police
Region 5 5205 South 5th Ave.
Pocatello, Idaho 83204-2203
(208) 236-6466 FAX: (208) 233-7451

For Immediate Release: 10/03/09 9:00 p.m.
Contact: Cpl. Sellers

On October 3, 2009 at approximately 4:00 p.m., Idaho State Police and Bingham County Emergency Crews responded to a one-vehicle crash on US26 near milepost 284, approximately 21 miles west of Blackfoot. Charles Oxley, 46, of Blackfoot, was traveling eastbound on US26 near 2000 West Road when his 2001 Ford F-150 pickup left the right shoulder. Oxley overcorrected and came back onto the roadway where the vehicle rolled. Although he was wearing his seatbelt, Oxley was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. His juvenile female passenger was also wearing her seatbelt and was transported by ambulance to Bingham Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released with minor injuries. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor at this time. The crash is still under investigation by Corporal Sellers.

Chuck was a big ol' bear of a man, with a deep, gruff voice and curmudgeonly demeanor. He was also, through and through, a terrific journalist, a full-metal Democrat, and a hell of a good guy. He will be missed, and we at 43SB mourn his passing. Our deepest sympathy to Chuck's family and friends.

UPDATE 10/4/2009 5:09PM -- IDP communications director Julie Fanselow, who sent us the original email informing us of Chuck's death, forwarded us this comment from Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Keith Roark:

"Chuck was the IDP’s first communications director and a Democrat to his very core. In my first few months as IDP Chairman, Chuck helped me get up to speed for a tumultuous year that included Barack Obama’s speech at Boise State University, our wildly successful caucuses, the Frank Church Banquet, Primary Election, State Party Convention and the National Convention in Denver. He had a great sense of humor and a great sense of just how important politics is to the quality of our lives.

"Our hearts go out to his precious daughter whom he loved deeply. He lived his life fully and freely and he stood up for what he believed in – we will miss him."