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Beau Biden, son of vice president, passes away

by Elliot Smilowitz - 05/30/15 9:55 PM ET

Beau Biden, son of Vice President Joe Biden, died after a battle with brain cancer, the vice president’s office announced late Saturday.

“The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words,” the vice president said in a statement. “We know that Beau’s spirit will live on in all of us — especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter.”

Beau Biden, 46, served as attorney general of Delaware from 2007 until earlier this year. He also served in the Delaware Army National Guard, receiving the bronze star. He was thought to be considering a run for governor of Delaware in 2016.

{mosads}“Beau’s life was defined by service to others,” Joe Biden said.

Beau was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center earlier in May.

He suffered a mild stroke in 2010 and received treatment at a Houston cancer center after what was discovered to be a mass on his brain.

“More than his professional accomplishments, Beau measured himself as a husband, father, son and brother. His absolute honor made him a role model for our family. Beau embodied my father’s saying that a parent knows success when his child turns out better than he did.”

“In the words of the Biden family: Beau Biden was, quite simply, the finest man any of us have ever known.”

Beau is the second of Joe Biden’s children to pass away — a car accident in 1972 killed his first wife, Neilia, and his year-old daughter Naomi.

President Obama released a statement offering his condolences.

“Michelle and I are grieving tonight,” He said.

“For all that Beau Biden achieved in his life, nothing made him prouder; nothing made him happier; nothing claimed a fuller focus of his love and devotion than his family.”

The president lauded the Bidens’ tight-knit family.

“It is a testament to Joe and Jill — to who they are — that Beau lived a life that was full; a life that mattered; a life that reflected their reverence for family,” Obama said.

“Beau Biden believed in the best of us all. For him, and for his family, we swing our lanterns higher.”

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell directed U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff.

“Beau was also a friend,” Markell said. “He was unfailingly interested in the well being of Carla, my kids and my extended family. My entire family is shattered by his death.”

More condolences began rolling in shortly after the announcement.

“My heart is broken for the family of Beau Biden — a wonderful man who served his country with devotion and lived his life with courage,” 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said on Twitter.

“We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Beau Biden,” Republican National Committee President Reince Priebus posted. “Our thoughts and prayers are with @VP Biden and his family.”

“Beau Biden was an extraordinary father, husband, son, and public servant, but above all, he was a good and decent man,” Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) said in a statement.

“Beau Biden was a wonderful, strong and courageous man,” Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said in a statement. “I met him many times and thought the world of him. His life was so rich and it is unspeakably sad to see him leave us far too soon.”

“Saddened by the news of Beau Biden’s passing. My prayers are with The Vice President, Dr. Biden and the whole family,” Republican White House candidate Jeb Bush tweeted.

“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Beau Biden,” said Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.). “My thoughts and prayers are with the @VP and the entire Biden family.”

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.) posted: “Beau Biden served his state and country with honor and distinction. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his entire family during this time.”

– Updated at 11:07 p.m.

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