Former US Vice President Dick Cheney has passed away at the age of 84, his family confirmed in a statement reported by US media on Tuesday. Cheney served as the 46th vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.
According to the family, Cheney died from complications related to pneumonia, as well as cardiac and vascular disease. “For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States,” the statement said.
Cheney was widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history, known for his influential behind-the-scenes role in shaping policy decisions.
Born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney grew up mainly in Wyoming. He briefly attended Yale University before transferring to the University of Wyoming, where he earned a degree in political science.
A committed Republican, Cheney began his political career in 1978 when he was elected to represent Wyoming in the US House of Representatives, a position he held for a decade. He later served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, overseeing the Pentagon during the 1990-91 Gulf War that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
As vice president, Cheney was a central figure in the Bush administration, promoting a neo-conservative agenda and exerting considerable influence over key policy decisions. He played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War, citing concerns over Saddam Hussein’s alleged weapons of mass destruction, claims later proven to be unfounded.
