Tragic death: Kent Snyder, former campaign manager for Ron Paul, died from pneumonia because he was unable to afford medical insurance Ron Paul's former campaign manager died from complications caused by pneumonia because he couldn't afford health insurance, it has emerged. The details surrounding the 2008 death of Kent Snyder were revealed by Gawker after the Tea Party candidate indicated he did not agree with free state health care for the poor. Mr Snyder, 49, died on June 26, 2008, with hospital costs totalling $400,000 after he became ill with viral pneumonia. The bill for his care was sent to his mother, who was unable to pay, and so a website was set up by friends to secure donations. Mr Paul's election campaign did not provide workers with medical insurance.
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Kent Snyder died from complications caused by pneumonia because his premiums were too expensive
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49-year-old was Ron Paul's campaign manager during failed 2008 bid to secure Republican presidential nomination
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Mr Paul told Tea Party debate people who did not have insurance should be left to fend for themselves
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Retired physician also said churches should step in to care for those without cover
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