Colin Powell, the first black U.S. Secretary of State and the youngest chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has died at 84 due to complications of Covid-19 amid a cancer battle with multiple myeloma. His family shared the heartbreaking news this morning on Facebook.

The South Bronx native who’s parents migrated to the US from Jamaica was one of the nation’s top soldiers— serving 35 years in the Army including two tours in Vietnam. In addition to being the first black US Secretary of State under former President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005, he served as National Security Advisor to former President Ronald Reagan at the close of the Cold War from 1987-1989 and led the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, became the youngest chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993, and infamously implemented the strategy to remove Sadam Hussein from power in Kuwait during the Persian Gulf war in 1991.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney who served alongside Powell under former President George W. Bush said he was “deeply saddened to learn that America has lost a leader and statesman”—adding that he was fortunate to work with the “trailblazer and role model,” CNN reports. Former President George W. Bush called Powell “a great public servant” who was “such a favorite 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 are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam.” – President George W. Bush

Read the full statement: https://t.co/kSlMbGelOm

— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) October 18, 2021

We’re honoring Colin Powell’s legacy and send our warmest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.