Updated 8:06 p.m. |

Rep. C.W. Bill Young, the longtime Florida Republican who announced his retirement last week, died Friday after a long hospital stay due to a back injury. He was 82.

“U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young (FL-13) passed away this evening at The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the company of his family,” said a statement from his family. “The cause of death was complications related to a chronic injury. Information on services will be forthcoming.”

Young, the longest-serving Republican in the House, has been receiving rehabilitation for his back at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He announced his retirement last week, telling the Tampa Bay Times, “It’s time.”

Young’s retirement sparked a competitive race in Florida’s 13th District, which Young has represented for 22 terms.

However Young’s death now creates a vacancy in the seat, which will be filled by a special election called by GOP Gov. Rick Scott.