Fully Vaccinated Former Secretary Of State Colin Powell Dies From COVID Complications

Colin Powell, a former secretary of state under President George W. Bush and the first black chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, has passed away at the age of 84. Powell's family announced that the four-star general died of complications from COVID-19, though he was fully vaccinated.

Powell's family released a statement via Facebook, confirming his passing: "General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19.

"We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father and grandfather and a great American," the statement continued.

General Powell's untimely death has been linked to complications from COVID, though the family statement confirmed "he was fully vaccinated."

He was under the care of the staff at Walter Reed Medical Center when he passed, and his family thanked them for their efforts.

Former President George W. Bush released a statement on Powell's passing, which says in part:

"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 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."

Powell is survived by his wife, Alma, and three children.