Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell dies from Covid-19

18 October 2021, 13:11 | Updated: 18 October 2021, 15:10

Colin Powell has died aged 84.
Colin Powell has died aged 84. Picture: Getty

By Sophie Barnett

Colin Powell, the former US Secretary of State, has died due to complications from Coronavirus, his family has said.

In a statement on Facebook, Mr Powell's family said they have lost a "remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American".

They said he passed away on Monday morning due to complications from Coronavirus, despite being fully vaccinated.

"We want to thank the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center for their caring treatment," they added.

The 84-year-old served as the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African-American Secretary of State.

He was also chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a 35-year veteran of the US Army.

Read more: Politicians must not be ‘cowed’ by those who ‘spread hate’, Downing Street says

Read more: Sir David Amess: Suspect's father 'is ex-adviser to Somali prime minister'

Shelagh Fogarty breaks news of Colin Powell's death

When he was sworn in as George Bush's Secretary of State in 2001, he became the highest-ranking Black public official to date in the US, standing fourth in the presidential line of succession.

Mr Powell played a key role in the response to the 9/11 terror attacks - and in making a case for the Iraq war.

Former President George W. Bush was one of the first to pay tribute to the "family man and friend".

He said Mr Powell was a "great public servant and was highly respected at home and abroad", adding he was such a favourite that he "earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice".

In a statement, he said: "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 favourite 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."

Tony Blair also paid tribute to the former US Secretary of State.

Read more: Man arrested over death threat to MP Chris Bryant one day after David Amess killing

The former prime minister said the American statesman was a "towering figure" who "still had so much to give".

Mr Blair, who led the UK into the 2003 war, said: "Colin was a towering figure in American military and political leadership over many years, someone of immense capability and integrity, a hugely likeable and warm personality and a great companion, with a lovely and self-deprecating sense of humour.

"He was wonderful to work with, he inspired loyalty and respect and was one of those leaders who always treated those under them with kindness and concern.

"His life stands as a testament not only to dedicated public service but also a strong belief in willingness to work across partisan division in the interests of his country."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The statue of Captain Tom was put up for auction

Life-size Captain Tom statue sells for over £3,000 after owner is forced to slash price and auction it off from 99p

Transgender Athletes Ban New York Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner backs New York county’s ban on transgender female athletes

Russia Crimea

Putin extends rule in Russian election after harshest crackdown since Soviet era

A Mayor Eric Adams standing on a stage in front of an audience engaging them with a speech

New York mayor Eric Adams accused of sexually assaulting woman in 1993

Having pleaded guilty to all of the offences, the peer was fined £5,500 and ordered to pay a surcharge of £2,000 and costs of £700.

Tory Peer Zac Goldsmith banned from driving and fined £5,500 after being caught speeding seven times in nine months

Biden Netanyahu

Netanyahu agrees to send officials to US to discuss prospective Rafah operation

Kate and William were pictured visiting the farm

Smiling Kate spotted on shopping trip with William as she continues recovery from surgery

Palestinians rush to collect the humanitarian aid airdropped into Gaza City, Gaza Strip on March 17 (Mohammed Hajjar/AP)

‘Famine imminent’ in northern Gaza as 70% face ‘catastrophic hunger’

The video shows the BMW being speedily driven before the car crashes into another travelling from the other direction.

Shocking moment motorcyclist catapults into air and off bridge - as BMW driver jailed for nearly five years

Dame Laura Kenny has announced her retirement from cycling

'It's a sacrifice too far': Laura Kenny reveals she has chosen family first over gruelling training for cycling career

Abdow Abdurahman

Brazen thief who stole £100,000 of jewellery from his wealthy girlfriend while she was having a massage jailed

Music-Country Hall of Fame

James Burton, John Anderson and Toby Keith join Country Music Hall of Fame

Russia Election

What the Russian election reveals about Putin’s rule

Ms Price did not attend the hearing on Monday, which came days after she was fined £880 for driving without a licence or insurance in Northamptonshire in August last year.

Katie Price declared bankrupt for second time in five years over unpaid £750,000 tax bill

Estate agent Alex Georgiou has reassured worried residents and claims he will not be charging more.

No rent hikes for current tenants living in flats with Banksy's art but bids from wealthy fans are welcome, says landlord

Election 2024 Trump

‘Impossible’ for Trump to post civil fraud bond of £356m, say lawyers