Marion Barry, who served as the District of Columbia's mayor for four terms, passed away earlier this morning at the age of 78.
According to the Washington Post, Barry died at D.C.'s United Medical Center at 1:46 a.m., shortly after being released from Howard University Hospital. Although no official cause of death has been identified, the Post notes that Barry had struggled with ailments including prostate cancer, kidney trouble, and diabetes.
Barry's family announced his death in a statement:
It is with deep regret that the family of former Four-time D.C. Mayor, and Ward 8 City Councilman, Marion S. Barry, Jr., announces that he has passed.
Mr. Barry transitioned at approximately 12 midnight on November 23, 2014, at the United Medical Center, after having been released from Howard University Hospital on Saturday, November 22, 2014.
Mr. Barry released his autobiography “Mayor For Life, the Incredible Story of Marion Barry, Jr.” in June 2014.
He will appear on OPRAH today at 9:00 p.m. EST to discuss his book, and 40 year political and civil rights career.
He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Cora Masters Barry and his only child, son Marion Christopher Barry.
We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy at this time.
Further details will be forthcoming.
After serving as D.C.'s mayor from 1979 to 1991, Barry served six months in prison after being filmed smoking crack cocaine in an FBI sting. He was eventually elected to city council after his release, and, amazing, re-elected as D.C.'s mayor in 1994. His legacy will be measured by his unlikely comeback and impact on the city, not his nadirs.
Barry, who served on the D.C. Council until his death, was dubbed D.C.'s "Mayor for Life." As the most important and pivotal local politician of his era, the nickname is well-deserved.
[via Washington Post]
