“Joe the Plumber,” a businessman from Ohio who became famous for questioning Barack Obama about his tax plan during the 2008 presidential campaign, has died at the age of 49. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, also known as Joe Wurzelbacher, passed away from pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer earlier this year, after experiencing stomach issues for three months prior.
A GiveSendGo page has been set up to help his family with medical expenses. Many people have expressed their condolences and shared memories of Joe the Plumber, highlighting his character and friendship. Joe the Plumber rose to fame when he had an encounter with Barack Obama in Toledo, Ohio, where he asked the candidate how his tax plan would impact those earning above $250,000.
During the exchange, Joe mentioned that he was planning to buy a company that made around $250,000-$270,000 per year and was concerned about the impact of the tax plan on his business. Barack Obama responded by clarifying that his intention was not to punish success but to ensure that others behind Joe also had opportunities for success.
Joe the Plumber’s challenges were highlighted by Republican presidential candidate John McCain during the 2008 campaign. He also participated in the third and final debate between the candidates. In 2012, Joe the Plumber ran for Congress in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District but was unsuccessful. He was an Air Force veteran and is survived by his wife, Katie, and four children.
