Former US Vice President Dick Cheney Dies at 84

Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of the United States and a central figure in the post-9/11 era, has died at the age of 84, his family announced Monday evening.

Cheney, a Republican, passed away due to complications from pneumonia and longstanding cardiac and vascular disease, according to a family statement.

"For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President. He was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country and to live lives of courage, honor, love, and kindness," part of the statement read.

A defining and often controversial voice in American politics, Cheney played a pivotal role in shaping US foreign and domestic policy during the George W Bush administration, particularly the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

His tenure as Vice President was noticeable by a focus on national security, including expanded surveillance programs, the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, and the decision to invade Iraq based on claims of weapons of mass destruction.

Cheney’s influence extended across decades, serving in the administrations of both President George H.W Bush and his son, President George W Bush.

Yet in later years, he became a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, breaking with much of his party.

His daughter, former US Representative Liz Cheney, emerged as a leading Republican voice opposing Trump.

Cheney’s health challenges were well documented. He survived five heart attacks and underwent a heart transplant after leaving public office.

In 2013, he reflected on his longevity, saying he awoke each day "thankful for the gift of another day."

Cheney also revealed he had disabled the wireless function of his defibrillator out of worries over potential remote interference.

Despite his frail health in later years, Cheney remained engaged in political discourse and public life.

His family paid tribute to him as "a noble giant of a man" whose legacy touched both his loved ones and the nation he served.

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