Colin Powell, Former US Secretary of State, Dies of COVID-19

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell died Monday from complications of COVID-19. He was 84.

While Powell was fully vaccinated against COVID-19, he was immunocompromised and still at an increased risk for a severe infection. Powell reportedly suffered from multiple myeloma — a cancer of plasma cells that suppresses the body's immune response.

BIO:

Powell held several top military and defense positions in the federal government. He rose through the ranks in the national security adviser's office and served in the role under President Ronald Reagan from 1987 to 1989. He later served as the chairman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

As chairman, Powell oversaw the war in the Persian Gulf and Operation Desert Storm.

But Powell is best known for serving as secretary of state under President George W. Bush during Bush's first term. Powell served as America's top diplomat during the Sept. 11 terror attacks and amid the start of the wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq.