Colin Powell has died at the age of 84.
According to CNN, the first Black Secretary of State died on Monday (October 18) at Walter Reed National Medical Center due to complications from Covid-19.
Powell's family confirmed his passing on Facebook, writing, "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."
The statement continued, "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 had been fully vaccinated but suffered from Parkinson’s disease as well as multiple myeloma. His wife, Alma, also had a breakthrough case of COVID-19, but responded to treatment.
Powell, who was the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005, began his career in the military, serving as a professional soldier for 35 years. The four-star general went on to become the first Black national security adviser during the end of Ronald Reagan's presidency and the youngest and first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.
Prior to the election of Barack Obama as president in 2008, Powell and his successor, Condoleezza Rice, were the highest-ranking Black Americans in the history of the federal executive branch.
Powell is survived by his wife, Alma Vivian Powell, whom he married in 1962, as well as three children.
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