James Copenhaver Obituary, Cause of Death – Butler Rally Shooting Survivor Dies at 76

James Copenhaver, one of the survivors wounded during the 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, died on September 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh at the age of 76.

His passing has brought renewed reflection on the lasting impact of the tragic shooting, while family and loved ones remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and proud American.

James Copenhaver's Cause of Death

James Copenhaver died at Allegheny Health Network's West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh.

While he suffered devastating gunshot wounds during the July 13, 2024, Butler rally—including injuries to his arm and abdomen that required multiple surgeries and left him with permanent health complications—his family has not publicly stated that his death was directly caused by those injuries. The official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

A Life Marked by Service and Strength

Copenhaver was attending the Butler campaign rally when a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop. He was struck in the arm and abdomen, surviving injuries that permanently altered his life. In the years that followed, he endured numerous surgeries, lingering kidney damage, nerve injuries, and mobility challenges that required him to walk with a cane.

Despite those hardships, those closest to him described him as resilient and determined, facing each challenge with remarkable courage.

Before the tragedy, James had built a life centered on faith, family, and service. A military veteran, he was remembered for instilling the values of hard work, integrity, and patriotism in his children and grandchildren.

Remembering James Copenhaver

His family said James was, above all else, a loving husband to Marianne Copenhaver and a devoted father and grandfather whose greatest joy came from caring for those he loved.

In a statement released following his death, his family remembered him as a man whose dedication to his country and unwavering commitment to others defined his life. Friends and community members have continued sharing tributes honoring his strength, kindness, and enduring spirit.

Lasting Legacy

James Copenhaver's life became intertwined with one of the most significant moments in recent American history, but his family hopes he will be remembered not only as a survivor, but as a man of character whose resilience inspired many.

His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the values he upheld, and the courage he demonstrated in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Funeral and memorial arrangements have not been publicly announced by the family at this time.