The man widely expected to be Britain’s next prime minister is mourning the loss of his 6-year-old son who had cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

The oldest of opposition leader David Cameron’s three children, Ivan Cameron died unexpectedly Wednesday.

Ivan needed constant care, as he required assistance to eat and could not walk or talk.

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Cameron has spoken openly about his son’s disability and the family’s reliance on government programs for people with disabilities. Cameron called his son a “wonderful boy” but said the family worried about his quality of life, reports The Associated Press.

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