COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered United States and Ohio flags be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds in honor of General Colin Powell who died on Monday.
Powell died at the age of 84 due to COVID-19 complications. His family said he was fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but an aide also said he had multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that compromises the body's ability to fight infections.
Patients with multiple myeloma are considered to be at higher risk for COVID-19.
In a release, the governor said Powell cared about helping America's youth while rising through the ranks to be the country's first African-American Secretary of State.
The flags will be flown at half-staff until Oct. 22.
You can read DeWine's full statement below:
“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.
“Fran and I extend our sympathy to Secretary Powell’s wife, Alma, and the entire Powell family.”
