Colin Powell has passed away at the age of 84.

His family released a statement saying, “General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19. He was fully vaccinated,”

They went on to say, “We want to thank the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center for their caring treatment. We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.”

Powell was purportedly previously diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells that inhibits the body’s natural immune response. This seemed to inflame complications with COVID-19.

Gen. (Ret.) Colin Powell shakes hands with service members on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 18 2007. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jacob McDonald)

Former President George Bush released the following statement:

“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many Presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience. He was National Security Adviser under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father and President Clinton, and Secretary of State during my Administration. He was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad. And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”

The long serving general was the 65th United States Secretary of State. He held the post from 2001 to 2005. Powell is survived by his wife, Alma. As well as by his 3 children.

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