General Colin Powell, the first Black US Secretary of State and former military leader, died Monday morning due to complications from COVID-19. He was 84.
Powell had pre-existing conditions, including Multiple Myeloma, which is a cancer of plasma cells that suppresses the body’s immune response, and he also had Parkinson’s Disease.
Powell shared his health struggles recently with veteran journalist Bob Woodward in what is believed to have been his last interview before his death.
He told Woodward to not feel sorry for him, telling him at the time that he drove himself to appointments in his Corvette. Powell said he did not advertise his illnesses, but most of his friends knew.
Powell’s family said he was fully vaccinated but his illnesses made it difficult for him to fight off the virus.
The family made a post on Facebook thanking the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center for their caring treatment, adding that they have “lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.”
General Powell is greatly respected and will forever be a true icon in Black History. RIP