Florida Rep. Young gravely ill, but still alive despite initial reports, office says

Rep. C. W. “Bill” Young, R-Fla., has taken a turn and is gravely ill, sources tell Fox News – but he is still alive, despite initial reports to the contrary.

Several news outlets, including Fox News, initially reported Thursday afternoon based on sources that Young, 82, had died.

But his office swiftly corrected the record, saying he is very ill, but not dead.

His condition is “guarded,” according to a spokesman at Walter Reed hospital.

Young is the longest-serving Republican in the House. He has been hospitalized at Walter Reed for a back injury.

Young announced in recent weeks he was retiring from Congress.

First elected in 1970, Young became the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee’s panel on defense in 1995. A strong proponent of military spending, he also served on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs subcommittee and has been one of the most influential backroom players in building the country’s expansive defense budget.