Colin Powell Dies At Age 84 From Covid-19 Complications

Colin Powell has died at the age of 84 from complications from Covid-19. A statement from his family released this morning says “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, we have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.” Powell was fully vaccinated.

Powell’s career as a soldier took him from combat duty in Vietnam to becoming the first Black National Security Advisor during the end of Ronald Reagan’s presidency and the youngest and first African American Chairman of the joint chiefs of staff under President George H.W. Bush. In the mid 90s he was considered a leading contender to become the first Black President of the United States. When Powell was sworn in as Bush’s Secretary of State in 2001, he became the highest-ranking black public official to date in the country and stood fourth in the presidential line of succession. Powell is survived by his wife Alma and their three children.