Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has died from a rare form of cancer. He was 46.
When video emerged of Ford smoking crack and engaging in erratic behavior, he made international news in 2014. Ford was well-known in low-income sections of Toronto and was well liked by many of its residents. After video evidence was shown of him holding what looked to be a crack pipe, he took a leave of absence from as mayor of Toronto in 2014 and issued the following statement on his official Facebook page:
“I have a problem with alcohol, and the choices I have made while under the influence. I have struggled with this for some time. Today, after taking some time to think about my own well-being, how to best serve the people of Toronto and what is in the best interests of my family, I have decided to take a leave from campaigning and from my duties as mayor to seek immediate help. I have tried to deal with these issues by myself over the past year. I know that I need professional help and I am now 100% committed to getting myself right. I love the people of Toronto, I love being your mayor and I hope you will continue to stand by me. With the support of my family, friends, professionals and the people of Toronto, I will conquer this.”
Ford eventually left office due to his health but his popularity with the residents of Toronto never faded. Ford’s family issued a brief statement about his death calling him a “man of the people.” Ford had been undergoing rounds of intense chemotherapy for his cancer but new tumors were discovered in the past few months. He was recently moved to palliative care and died Tuesday, March 22, 2016.
Although ill, Ford still inserted his opinion into local politics, criticizing the current mayor and other issues related to his beloved city. He is survived by his wife Renata, children Stephanie and Douglas, mother Diane, brothers Doug and Randy, and sister Kathy.
