Colin Powell, 84, died from complications due to Covid-19, his family said Monday.
"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," the Powell family said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page.
“He was fully vaccinated,” they added. “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.”
Tributes poured in on social media.
In his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff & throughout his remarkable career, General Powell dedicated his life to the defense & security of our nation. We'll always remember the life & contributions of such a distinguished public servant & a proud American soldier.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) October 18, 2021
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has died after complications from COVID-19, according to a statement from his family on his Facebook page.
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) October 18, 2021
Absolutely tragic. pic.twitter.com/dI2BylPenS
So sad to hear news General Colin Powell has passed away from Covid19 complications
— Charles V Payne (@cvpayne) October 18, 2021
Very impactful life.
RIP General
A staggering loss.??
— Fernand Amandi (@AmandiOnAir) October 18, 2021
Colin Powell is now for the ages, after a lifetime of service to America
Thank you for your love and service to country, General Powell.???? pic.twitter.com/HMMEHr7hWT
Just learned of the passing of my friend and mentor, Colin Powell. A superb soldier, statesman, and lifelong public servant. God bless him and his family.
— GEN(R) Martin E. Dempsey (@Martin_Dempsey) October 18, 2021
Former presidents also issued statements about 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," said former President George W. Bush in a statement.
"Powell helped a generation of young people set their sights higher. He never denied the role that race played in his own life and in our society more broadly," former President Barack Obama said. "But he also refused to accept that race would limit his dreams, and through his steady and principled leadership, helped pave the way for so many who would follow."
The Clintons called Powell "a courageous soldier, a skilled commander, a dedicated diplomat, and a good and decent man. The son of immigrants, he rose to the top levels of military, civilian, and non-governmental service through intelligence, character, and the ability to see the big picture and attend to the smallest details."
Editor's Note: This breaking news post has been updated with additional statements.