Meghan McCain Mourns Loss of Stepbrother Doug McCain

Meghan McCain and her family are grieving the loss of her stepbrother, Douglas Shepp McCain, who passed away at the age of 66. Douglas was the eldest adopted son of the late Sen. John McCain. His funeral home obituary did not specify the reason for his sudden passing.

On social media, Meghan McCain expressed her sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened to share the news of my brother Doug McCain’s sudden passing. He was a wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life.” She described him as someone who brought humor and engaging conversations to every gathering and pledged to cherish their memories together, extending her thoughts to his wife Ashley and their children, Caroline and Shepp.

The McCain Institute also offered their condolences, recognizing Douglas McCain as someone who followed in his father’s footsteps as a Navy pilot and was a patriot and friend to many associated with the institute and John McCain’s campaigns.

“We extend our condolences to the McCain family following the passing of Douglas ‘Doug’ Shepp McCain, the eldest son of John McCain,” the institute shared on X.

Douglas McCain’s life included a rich personal and professional journey. Born on October 4, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida, he spent his early years in Jacksonville engaging in sports like surfing and soccer. He graduated from Jacksonville Episcopal High School in 1977 and pursued a major in systems engineering at the University of Virginia, becoming involved in Navy ROTC and meeting his future wife, Ashley Jardine.

After his graduation in 1982, he joined the Navy, where he flew A-6 Intruders for six years, eventually transitioning to a lengthy career with American Airlines, where he became a captain. His family noted how much he enjoyed his work there.

Douglas was adopted by John McCain during the senator’s first marriage to Carol Shepp McCain. John McCain, a former Navy aviator and Vietnam prisoner of war, served Arizona in the U.S. Senate and ran as the Republican presidential nominee in 2008. He died in 2018.

A devoted father and grandfather, Douglas was known for his loyalty and friendships. His obituary reflects on his love for golf, his nickname “World Book,” and his family’s pride in his three holes-in-one golf achievements. His love for his children, Caroline and Shepp, and his joy in being Teddy’s grandfather were central to his legacy.

He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Ashley Jardine McCain, daughter Caroline McCain Hendrickson, son Douglas Shepp McCain Jr., grandson Teddy, and other family members, including his mother Carol Shepp McCain and stepmother Cindy McCain.

Private family services will take place, with a memorial gathering scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia.