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

Michael Howie18 October 2021

General Colin Powell, the former USSecretary of State, has died due to complications from Covid-19, according to a statement on his Facebook page. He was 84.

The statement from his family posted on Monday read: “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.

“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.”

He was America’s first black US secretary of state and top military officer, initially serving as chairman of the military's Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush during the 1991 Gulf War.

Colin Powell - In pictures

US President George W. Bush (R), along with Secret
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A moderate Republican and a pragmatist, Gen Powell later served as secretary of state under President George W Bush.

Powell leaves behind his wife Alma Vivian and three children Michael, Linda and Annemarie.

George W Bush paid tribute to Mr Powell in a moving statement.

It read: “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.”

Former Labour leader Tony Blair gestures while speaking to retired US Army General Colin Powell prior to talks at a hotel in London
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Downing Street said Powell had been a “close friend” of the UK who “broke new ground” in the US.

Powell rose to the military rank of four-star general and in 1989 became the first black chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said: “Colin Powell was a respected and impressive diplomat and soldier who broke new ground and was a close friend of the United Kingdom and we are saddened to hear of his death.”

Later, Mr Johnson said: “I am sorry to hear of the death of Colin Powell.

“He was an impressive and internationally respected statesman.

“He leaves a lasting legacy and I’m sure his life will continue to be an inspiration to many.”

Tony Blair paid tribute to former US secretary of state.

Powell and Clinton listen to remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for the U.S. Diplomacy Center at the State Department in Washington
Former U.S. Secretaries of State Colin Powell (L) and Hillary Clinton (R) listen to remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for the U.S. Diplomacy Center
REUTERS

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

Mr Powell was at the centre of US efforts to make the case for the Iraq War, claiming at the United Nations that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.

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.”

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