According to reports, Colin Powell—the first Black U.S. secretary of state has passed away at the age of 84 due to COVID-19 complications.

The news was revealed by Powell’s family via Facebook. “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.” They continued by saying, “We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather, and a great American. The family made it clear Powell was fully vaccinated.

Powell was a former soldier who became the first Black national security adviser during Ronald Reagan’s time in office and was also the first Black chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff while under George H.W. Bush. Powell came into prominence based on how he handled the Gulf War. The Harlem, New York-born, Bronx-raised politician’s endorsement of Barack Obama was one of the many vital factors that led to Obama becoming president. Powell is survived by three children as well as his wife, Alma.