Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died, his family announced early Tuesday. He was 84.
Cheney, who served two terms as vice president under former President George W. Bush — including during the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks — died overnight “due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease,” his family said in a statement.
“His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed,” the Cheneys said.
Cheney was troubled much of his life by heart problems, suffering the first of five heart attacks at age 37. He had a heart transplant in 2012.
“Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing,” his family added.
“We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”