General Colin Powell Dies of Covid-19 Complications

WASHINGTON, TX –– On Monday, the Powell Family confirmed the passing of General Colin L. Powell after battling COVID-19.

In a Facebook post, the family confirmed the four-star general was treated at Walter Reed National Medical Center. The 84-year-old was fully vaccinated at the time of his death.

"We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather, and a great American," said the Powell family.

Previous news reports indicated General Powell had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that forms in plasma cells –– a type of white blood cell. In 2005 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Powell made history as the first  Black US Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. At the age of 52, General Powell became the youngest officer to serve as chairman. He was also appointed as National Security Advisor by President Ronald Reagan.

General Powell served both Democratic and Republican administrations during his decades-long career in public service.

General Powell has a personal connection to San Angelo with the ROTC building at Central High School named after him.

Condolences as the news broke of Powell's passing has poured in from national leaders.

"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," said President George Bush. "He 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 send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man."

"The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed. Alma lost a great husband, and the family lost a tremendous father. And I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor. He has been my mentor for a number of years. He always made time for me and I could always go to him with tough issues. He always had great counsel. We will certainly miss him," said Secretary Lloyd.
"I feel as if I have a hole in my heart just learning of this just recently. First African-American chairman of the Joint Chiefs, first African-American Secretary of State, a man who was respected around the globe. Quite frankly, it is not possible to replace a Colin Powell. We will miss him. Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and we're deeply, deeply saddened to learn of this."

"Rosalynn and I join so many around the world in mourning the loss of General Colin Powell. A true patriot and public servant, we were honored to work beside him to strengthen communities in the United States, help resolve conflict in Haiti, and observe elections in Jamaica," said President Jimmu Carte. "His courage and integrity will be an inspiration for generations to come. We will keep his family in our prayers during this difficult time."