Colin Powell, who will go down in history as the first black Secretary of State for the United States, has passed away at the age of 84. Despite being fully vaccinated, the reported cause of death was “complications from COVID.” The Vietnam veteran who went on to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff passed away at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland. His family released the following statement to announce the sad news:
“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. He was fully vaccinated. 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 served his country for many years, advising several Republican administrations including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
George W. Bush released the following statement after hearing the news:
“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.”
Rest in peace, Mr. Powell. You will be missed!