Former New York State Health Commissioner Richard Daines has died of what is believed to be a sudden heart attack.
Daines, 60, was working on his family farm in Dutchess County on Saturday when he was stricken, the Department of Health said.
Daines served as New York State health commissioner from 2007-2010.
He aggressively pushed former Gov. David Paterson’s failed soda tax.
The initiative was rejected after failing to gain popular or legislative support.
Daines is survived by his wife Linda, three children, and a grandson.
