Fred Baron, well-known for successfully defending asbestos victims in the 1970's, and more recently for his payments to John Edwards' mistress, died on Thursday at the age of 61.
Baron had advanced multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer.
In mid-October, Baron was granted permission to test "an experimental cancer-fighting" drug called Tysabri, in what his son, Andrew, called his father's "last-chance effort for life."
Described as a "life-loving man" who "avoided the spotlight whenever possible" Baron made press as the finance chairman for John Edwards's Democratic presidential campaign in 2004.
In August, Mr. Baron admitted he provided "hush" money to Rielle Hunter, former mistress of Mr. Edwards during the 2004 vice-presidential nominee, an affair Edwards denied ever happened until The National Enquirer sandblasted his story along with any shred of credibility he once had.