Colin Powell remembered as a trailblazer who broke racial barriers following death at age 84

Colin Powell was the first African American to serve as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and secretary of state.

Former US secretary of state Colin Powell speaks during a news conference at the State Department in Washington, discussing the diplomatic aspects of the previous week's terrorist attacks. Picture: AP Photo/Hillery Smith Garrison, File

Colin Powell, the former US Joint Chiefs chairman and US secretary of state, has died from Covid-19 complications at the age of 84, his family has said.

In an announcement on social media, the family said: "General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19."