John Whitman, husband of former New Jersey governor, dies

 NJ gubernatorial candidate Christie Whitman, second from right, is joined by her daughter Kate, left, husband John and son Taylor, right as they watch election returns, November 2,1993. (AP PHOTO/Mike Derer, file)

NJ gubernatorial candidate Christie Whitman, second from right, is joined by her daughter Kate, left, husband John and son Taylor, right as they watch election returns, November 2,1993. (AP PHOTO/Mike Derer, file)

The husband of former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman has died. John Whitman was 71.

A spokeswoman for the former Republican governor says he died Thursday at Morristown Medical Center.

Spokeswoman Heather Grizzle says John Whitman suffered a catastrophic brain injury in mid-June.

John Whitman was an investment banker who served as New Jersey’s first-ever first gentleman.

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The former governor says he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and the family is heartbroken at his loss.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

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