Albert Davis, a Capitol Hill staffer for 20 years and a top Democratic economist, died Friday night of injuries stemming from a car accident that took place two weeks ago in Arlington, Va. He was 56.

Davis, chief Democratic economist for the Ways and Means Committee, is survived by his companion of 20 years, Mary Bielefeld. Funeral services are still being arranged.

“Though he appeared soft-spoken and cerebral, Al Davis was passionate about defending the interests of the working men and women of this country,” said Ways and Means ranking member Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.). “Using his spread sheets, his charts and his memos, Al was a powerful fighter for economic justice.

“He promoted truth in an institution too used to skirting around politically inconvenient facts. Al’s death is a loss for the entire nation.”

Davis never regained consciousness after the May 19 accident, in which a taxi cab struck the him while he crossed the intersection of Fairfax Drive and Nelson Street near the Ballston Metro stop. He suffered serious damage to his legs and brain and was being treated at George Washington University Hospital.

A police investigation is ongoing.

Davis worked for the Ways and Means Committee since 1999. Prior to that, he spent 15 years with the House Budget Committee.

Dan Maffei, spokesman for the Ways and Means Democratic staff, said in an e-mail distributed Saturday that Davis was surrounded by family and friends and died peacefully. A pastor was also present, leading the family in prayer.