Colin Powell, the first Black U.S. Secretary of State, died Monday morning of complications from COVID-19. The former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was 84 and battling a blood cancer that impacts the body’s ability to fight infections, along with Parkinson’s. His family in a statement said he was fully vaccinated.
Powell served under both Republican and Democratic Presidents, including serving as United States National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan.
News of his death has shocked the nation, with many who knew him sharing their memories of the highly-respected diplomat and military leader.
A sampling.
This article will be updated with more reactions throughout the day.
Image by U.S. Department of State via Flickr