Marion Barry dead: Controversial former Washington DC Mayor dies, aged 78
Barry was imprisoned for six months after being filmed smoking crack cocaine
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.Marion Barry, former Washington DC Mayor, died today, aged 78.
His cause of death is not yet known, but he had suffered from several health problems over the years, including diabetes, prostate cancer and kidney ailments.
He was admitted into hospital briefly last week, but was released yesterday. He died at the United Medical Center in Washington.
The civil rights activist served three terms as mayor between 1979 until 1991, before he was imprisoned for six months after being filmed smoking crack cocaine. He also underwent a drug and alcohol rehabilitation programme.
Barry was re-elected to the city council following his release and was made mayor once again in 1995. He stepped down at the end of his four-year term and pursued a career in banking consulting instead.
However, in 2004 he won a seat on the city council again and became major once more in 2008.
His personal life was blighted by drinking and drug abuse and in his autobiography, he wrote that his life was fuelled by a “mix of power, attraction, alcohol, sex and drugs”.
He married four times and has a son.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments