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Former state Rep. Chris Murphy, a Dorchester County Republican, died Wednesday morning in his home, the Dorchester County Coroner’s office confirmed.
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Details of his death were not immediately available. An autopsy scheduled for Thursday, Dorchester County Coroner Paul Brouthers told The State.
Murphy, who was 58, was elected to the House in 2010 and resigned in 2025 after being noticeably absent for the large portion of the session.
He had dealt with health and alcohol issues.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of District 98 and the great state of South Carolina,” Murphy wrote in his resignation letter. “I am deeply grateful to my constituents for their trust and support over the years. Representing District 98 in the State House has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
During his time in the state House, Murphy served as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee before stepping down from that role to join the budget-writing House Ways and Means Committee.
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Before he was elected to the House, Murphy served on the Dorchester County Council from 2002-2010.
Murphy, a lawyer, was born in Honolulu. He graduated from The Citadel in 1990 and received his law degree from Mississippi College in 1995.
Murphy had two children.
Before entering elected office, Murphy worked as an assistant solicitor in the First Judicial Circuit for five years. He also was a special assistant U.S. attorney for three years prosecuting drug and violent crimes.
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