Colin Powell, former US secretary of state, dies of coronavirus complications
- Powell, 84, was fully vaccinated but died on Monday morning of complications from Covid-19, his family said
- The retired four-star general and former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff served four US presidents, but his legacy was tarnished by the war in Iraq
“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” his family wrote on Facebook, noting he was fully vaccinated.
“Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity,” Biden said.
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Colin Powell, first black US secretary of state, dies at 84 from Covid-19 amid cancer battle
Former US presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush joined Biden and other leaders in paying tribute to the former head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“General 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. 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,” Obama said.