Former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry Dies At 78. Family Issues Statement

RadioOnFire.com - Politician Marion Barry died Sunday morning, November 23.

According to The Washington Post, Barry had been released from Howard University Hospital just hours earlier. He collapsed after arriving home and was rushed to United Medical Center in Southeast Washington, where he was pronounced dead at 1:46 a.m.

Barry served four-terms as the mayor of Washington, D.C. He gained international notoriety in 1990 when he was caught in an FBI sting smoking crack cocaine at the Vista Hotel in D.C. with a female friend, Hazel Diane "Rasheeda" Moore.

Barry could be heard on tape saying, "B*tch set me up . . . . I shouldn't have come up here . . . goddamn b*tch"

He was convicted of drug possession and sentenced to six months in prison.

Despite the setback, Barry would rise again. He was re-elected as the mayor of D.C. in 1994 for the fourth and final time.

No cause of death was given, but the Associated Press reports that Barry's health problems included kidney problems stemming from diabetes and high blood pressure. He also underwent a kidney transplant in February 2009.

His family issued a statement on his passing.

WASHINGTON, DC – It is with deep regret that the family of former Four-time D.C. Mayor, and Ward 8 City Councilman, Marion S. Barry, Jr., announces that he has passed.

Mr. Barry transitioned at approximately 12 midnight on November 23, 2014, at the United Medical Center, after having been released from Howard University Hospital on Saturday, November 22, 2014.

Mr. Barry released his autobiography “Mayor For Life, the Incredible Story of Marion Barry, Jr.” in June 2014.

He will appear on OPRAH today at 9:00 p.m. EST to discuss his book, and 40 year political and civil rights career.

He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Cora Masters Barry and his only child, son Marion Christopher Barry.

We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy at this time.

Further details will be forthcoming.

Information from The Washington Post and Associated Press contributed to this report.