Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Beau Biden, son of US Vice President Joe Biden, dies aged 46

Beau Biden was a twice elected attorney general of Delaware and was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago

Louis Dore
Sunday 31 May 2015 11:53 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Beau Biden, twice elected attorney general of Delaware and son of US vice president Joe Biden, has died aged 46 from brain cancer.

Mr Biden was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago and was admitted to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Washington earlier this month.

He suffered a mild stroke in 2010 and underwent surgery three years later at a Texas cancer centre to remove what was described as a small lesion.

Mr Biden announced in 2014 that he would not seek a third term as attorney general and that he planned to run for governor in 2016.

Vice President Joe Biden said: "It is with broken hearts that Hallie, Hunter, Ashley, Jill and I announce the passing of our husband, brother and son, Beau, after he battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage and strength he demonstrated every day of his life."

"The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words. We know that Beau's spirit will live on in all of us - especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children," he said.

Vice President Biden's loss of his son is his second as a father, as his infant daughter died in a car accident more than four decades ago.

President Barack Obama said: "Michelle and I humbly pray for the good Lord to watch over Beau Biden, and to protect and comfort his family here on Earth."

The Vice President said his son had dedicated his life to serving others during stints as a lawyer, a major in the Delaware National Guard and as state attorney general.

Beau Biden served a year-long deployment in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star.

He most recently was with the Wilmington, Delaware, law firm Grant & Eisenhofer, where he focused on securities litigation and whistle-blower cases.

Additional reporting PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in