Former Defense Secretary Ash Carter dead at 68, family says

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, who served in the post under President Barack Obama, has died at 68, his family announced Tuesday.

Carter is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his children, Ava and Will. Obama nominated Carter to lead the Pentagon in 2014. In the role, Carter would be the first defense secretary to confront ISIS in the Middle East, a plague that would survive into former President Donald Trump’s administration.

“It is with deep and profound sadness that the family of former Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter shares that Secretary Carter passed away Monday evening in Boston after a sudden cardiac event at the age of 68,” his family announced in a statement. 

“Carter, the 25th Secretary of Defense and Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard’s Kennedy School, devoted his professional life to the national security of the United States and teaching students about international affairs.  He was a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend. His sudden loss will be felt by all who knew him,” they added.

This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.