The Chairman of the Benton County Republican Party has unexpectedly passed away.

According to the coroner's office, Bill Berkman appears to have died of natural causes Monday afternoon, but an autopsy is planned. He was first appointed as a precinct committee officer within the Benton County Republican Party in 2016. Later that same year, he was elected Chairman. He also owned the two "Men's Zone" franchises in Kennewick and Pasco.

Bill Berkman was 55 years old.

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