WINCHESTER —ÝState Sen. Charles Shannon died unexpectedly early this morning at Massachusetts General Hospital after suffering a heart attack.

Shannon, 61, "lost his courageous battle with cancer this morning," according to a press release from his office. The state senator, who was recently re-elected for an eighth time this past fall, was sworn in Jan. 6 in a special ceremony by Gov. Mitt Romney in the Governor's office. For the ceremony Shannon made his first trip outside the hospital in 25 days after undergoing chemotherapy while battling leukemia.

"Shannon, had made strides toward recovering from his third bout with cancer, died from cardiac failure, caused by cumulative stress experienced from an adverse reaction to a series of anti-rejection drugs he was taking," his office said. "These drugs were prescribed as follow-up from a bone-marrow transplant. Reactions can cause or accelerate infection, fever, lethargy, internal fluid build-up, or a number of other non-cancer complications."

Shannon recently completed a nine-day chemotherapy program at MGH, following a diagnosis of leukemia in December, his office said this morning. In February, Shannon underwent a bone-marrow transplant at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. He returned to work part-time in March, while maintaining regular outpatient appointments.

Perhaps the last time many people in Winchester got a chance to see Shannon was just about two weeks ago when a police chase that began at the Burlington Mall concluded with a spectacular crash against the fence on Cambridge Street side of his house. Shannon was interviewed by at least one of the television reporter, who apparently was not aware that he was a state senator and simply introduced him as "Charlie Shannon."

Many who saw the short interview noted that Shannon looked rested and strong.

It is now up to the State Senate to decide when to call a special election to fill Shannon's two-year term. Town Clerk Carolyn Ward said this morning that a special election would follow a nomination and primary election process.

A life of service

A veteran Lexington police officer, an elected member of the Winchester Board of Assessors and state senator representing the Second Middlesex District, Shannon became a state senator in 1991.

He had been battling health issues, including heart and cancer, since the mid-1980s, however, was upbeat and optimistic at public events over the past several months.

Shannon was still active at the state house and this past week as he spoke out in favor of a stem cell bill that "would save lives."

He lived at 17 Robinson Park in Winchester's west side.

Born in Cambridge, he was educated at Northeaster University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal justice.

He has a wife, Dorothy (Powers) and two sons, Charles and Michael.

Shannon first became involved in government when he was appointed to the Winchester Board of Assessors in 1987 and was later elected to the post in 1989. He served as its chairman from 1989-1990.

During this time, he was also a Town Meeting member from Precinct 5 in Winchester.

Also, during his 20 years of service with the Lexington Police Dept., he had received two commendations for bravery.

He represented the Second Middlesex Senatorial District, which includes Winchester, Ward 2 in Woburn, Medford, Somerville Ward 1 (Precincts 2,3), Ward 2 (Precincts 2-3) and Wards 3-7.

During his State House service, he served as the chairman of Ethics and Rules, as well as vice chairman of Bills in Third Reading. The had also served as the vice chairman for Municipalities and Regional Government, as well as State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Originally a Republican, Shannon shifted to the Democratic Party several years ago. His bout with cancer was his third but he told State Senate President Robert E. Travaglini and the Governor in December he expected a full recovery but would be incapacitated until February. He did return in December to confer with Romney on key issues, such as the $8 million Dilboy Field restoration in Somerville, and to vote on important issues, such as his recent vote in favor of the stem cell legislation.

Part of the community

Shannon was an integral part of not only the Winchester political scene but was a strong supporter of many local groups, including Winchester Hospital. Several months ago, he was at the groundbreaking of the hospital's new Emergency Room, and when he could not go into the hospital because of his own medical condition, hospital officials came outside to him.

He had over a dozen honors and recognition, including the Pillar of Justice Award in 1993 from the Boston Bar Association, Greater Boston Legal Services and the Community Legal Service and Counseling Center. The Mass. Veterans Service Officers Association also gave him its Outstanding Leadership and Public Service Award in 2003. He also had many awards for support of youth, literature, elderly, AIDS, VFW and other groups.

Back in October, Shannon said in a public statement that Dr. Steven McAfee, who had been treating him at MGHl had given him a clean bill of health. He was unopposed for re-election back in November.

Shannon still had a running battle with the Lexington Police Dept. over his termination. Shannon became a member of the force in 1966 and left the department on a disability in 1987 with a heart condition. By 2000, however, The state's Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission on Disability Unit declared him able to return to work. He had asked to be reinstated at the time.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lane Funeral Home of Winchester and are incomplete as of press time this morning.