Dick Cheney Cause of Death Confirmed by Family: Former Vice President Dies at 84

Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84. His family confirmed on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, that the cause of death was complications of pneumonia along with cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney passed away peacefully on Monday night surrounded by his family, according to an official statement.

Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, had battled heart problems for most of his adult life. His death brings an end to a political era that shaped America’s national security and foreign policy in the early 21st century.

Cheney’s Cause of Death and Long Health Struggles

According to his family’s statement, Cheney’s death was caused by “complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.” The former vice president’s history of serious heart issues was widely known. He suffered his first heart attack at age 37 during his initial congressional campaign and went on to experience four more throughout his lifetime.

Over the years, Cheney underwent a series of major medical procedures, including a quadruple bypass surgery in 1988, the installation of a defibrillator during his vice presidency, and a heart transplant in 2012. Despite his chronic health issues, he remained active in politics, writing, and public speaking.

In a 2013 interview with USA Today, Cheney’s cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Reiner described his case as one of the most complex in modern cardiology, calling him “the patient with the longest history of heart disease” under his care. Cheney also co-authored the memoir Heart: An American Medical Odyssey, where he shared his experiences living with life-threatening cardiovascular disease.

His family’s statement remembered him as “a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country and live lives of courage, honor, and kindness.”

Reflecting on Cheney’s Political Legacy

Beyond his health challenges, Dick Cheney leaves behind a complicated but consequential political legacy. As vice president, he played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign and defense policy following the September 11 attacks, influencing the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

Prior to his vice presidency, Cheney served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, overseeing Operation Desert Storm in 1991. He also worked in various government roles dating back to the Nixon and Ford administrations, marking more than four decades of political service.

While critics often pointed to his aggressive stance on foreign policy and executive authority, allies saw him as a steady and strategic leader committed to national security. His death closes a significant chapter in modern American politics, prompting reflection on an era of transformation in Washington.

Dick Cheney’s cause of death has now been officially confirmed by his family as complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. His life — defined by decades of public service, resilience, and controversy — leaves an indelible mark on U.S. history.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)

Q1: What caused Dick Cheney’s death?

His family confirmed the cause of death as complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.

Q2: How old was Dick Cheney when he died?

Cheney was 84 years old at the time of his death on Monday, November 3, 2025.

Q3: What were Dick Cheney’s major health issues?

He suffered five heart attacks, underwent bypass surgery in 1988, and received a heart transplant in 2012.

Q4: What is Dick Cheney best remembered for?

He is remembered as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history, known for his leadership in national security after 9/11.

Q5: Did Cheney write about his medical condition?

Yes. He co-authored the book Heart: An American Medical Odyssey detailing his health journey and life after a heart transplant.