COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine ordered U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at all public buildings in honor of General Colin Powell, who died on Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • General Colin Powell died on Monday from complications of COVID-19

  • He was 84

  • Gov. Mike DeWine ordered U.S. and state flags flown at half-staff in honor of Powell

  • DeWine released a statement offering condolences to the Powell family

Powell, a four-star general who became the first Black secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, died Monday from complications of COVID-19, his family said in a Facebook post. He was 84.

Powell had been treated over the past few years for multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that impairs the body’s ability to fight infections — and to respond well to vaccines.

DeWine released a statement on Monday offering his condolences to the Powell family and praising his accomplishments.

 

“Today our country has lost one of its most accomplished citizens, General Colin L. Powell.   A son of Jamaican immigrants, General Powell served his country in the U.S. Army beginning in ROTC and rose through the ranks to become a four-star general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  

“Colin Powell also served our nation as the first African-American Secretary of State, traveling the world as America’s top diplomat.  

“Colin Powell cared about helping America’s young people and was the chairman of America’s promise, a non-profit organization to help young people build character." 

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