Former Republican presidential candidate and businessman Herman Cain died on Thursday from coronavirus at the age of 74.
Cain’s team confirmed his death in a post on his website Thursday morning.
“Herman Cain – our boss, our friend, like a father to so many of us – has passed away,” said the post, which was written by site editor Dan Calabrese.
Cain was admitted to the hospital on July 1, just two days after receiving his COVID-19 diagnosis, and was severely ill during his monthlong battle.
We are sorry to announce that Herman Cain has tested positive for COVID-19, and is currently receiving treatment in an Atlanta-area hospital.
Please keep him, and all who are battling this virus, in your prayers.
Our full statement appears below. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/lDRW7Rla4e
— Herman Cain (@THEHermanCain) July 2, 2020
Calabrese said details of Cain’s condition were not released because his family and medical providers were hopeful for his recovery.
“There were hopeful indicators, including a mere five days ago when doctors told us they thought he would eventually recover, although it wouldn’t be quick,” Calabrese said.
On Monday, Cain’s team had tweeted an update saying he was being treated with oxygen.
“He is still in the hospital being treated with oxygen for his lungs. In the meantime, the doctors say his other organs and systems are strong,” the tweet said. “Re-strengthening the lungs is a long and slow process, and the doctors want to be thorough about it.”
Re-strengthening the lungs is a long and slow process, and the doctors want to be thorough about it.
— Herman Cain (@THEHermanCain) July 27, 2020
Cain was considered a higher risk for the illness due to his experience with cancer. He was able to beat Stage 4 colon cancer after his 2006 diagnosis.
Cain had announced his candidacy for president in May 2011.
He advocated for tax reform and had introduced his 9-9-9 plan, which would replace the tax code with a nine-percent flat tax for business transactions, personal income, and federal sales.
He suspended his campaign in December 2011.
Cain went on to launched CainTV.com, work as Fox News contributor, and publish his book, “The Right Problems: What the President, Congress, and Every Candidate Should Be Working On.” He recently joined Newsmax TV and was preparing to host a new show covering the 2020 election.
In the late 1960s, Cain had worked as a full-time civilian ballistics analyst for the U.S. Department of the Navy. He went on to work for giants Coca-Cola, Pillsbury, Burger King, and Godfather’s Pizza. He also served on the National Restaurant Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
“Herman Cain embodied the American Dream and represented the very best of the American spirit,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted in response to news of Cain’s death. “Our hearts grieve for his loved ones, and they will remain in our prayers at this time. We will never forget his legacy of grace, patriotism, and faith.”
Herman Cain embodied the American Dream and represented the very best of the American spirit.
Our hearts grieve for his loved ones, and they will remain in our prayers at this time. We will never forget his legacy of grace, patriotism, and faith.
— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) July 30, 2020
