Ailing West Haven man who got his wish for a call from President Trump dies at 44

March 13, 2019 12:00 am • Last Updated: March 13, 2019 5:18 pm

ADDS DATE AND LOCATION - In this Feb. 26, 2019, selfie provided by Bridgette Hoskie, her brother Jay Barrett and herself pose for the photo inside an ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Conn. Barrett, a terminally ill Connecticut man who's a big supporter of President Donald Trump, is getting a bucket list wish fulfilled, with help from his Democratic sister. (Bridgette Hoskie via AP)

WEST HAVEN (AP) — An ailing Connecticut man who had a bucket-list wish fulfilled when he received a call from encouragement of President Donald Trump has died.

Jay Barrett of West Haven was 44. He was terminally ill with cystic fibrosis and had been receiving palliative care at the home of his sister, West Haven City Councilwoman Bridgette Hoskie. Hoskie says her brother died Wednesday.

Hoskie, a Democrat, went on social media to build a campaign for Trump to offer her brother a gesture of support. Last week, the president called Barrett, telling him, "You're my kind of man, Jay."

Hoskie says she appreciated the help of everyone who reached out to the White House on her brother's behalf. She says: "That phone call meant everything to him."

ADDS DATE AND LOCATION - In this March 3, 2019, photo provided by Bridgette Hoskie, her daughter Tianna Greene and brother Jay Barrett pose for a photo at a cheerleading competition in New Haven, Conn. Barrett, a terminally ill Connecticut man who's a big supporter of President Donald Trump, is getting a bucket list wish fulfilled, with help from his Democratic sister. (Bridgette Hoskie via AP)

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