News Digest

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s son dies from brain cancer

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s son Beau has died from brain cancer, aged 46. Beau Biden - who planned to run for governor of Delaware in 2016 - was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and had surgery and chemotherapy. After getting a “clean bill of health” in November 2013, his cancer returned this year. He was admitted to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center outside Washington, and his family were with him when he died on Saturday.

My God, he’s just a young man. … It’s just so difficult. … I never heard a disparaging word about him as a person.

Mike Castle, former Republican Delaware governor and representative

President Barack Obama said he and the first lady were grieving alongside the Biden family. “Michelle and I humbly pray for the good Lord to watch over Beau Biden, and to protect and comfort his family here on Earth,” he said. There’s a sense of tragedy for the Biden household. In 1972, a car crash killed Beau’s mother and infant sister just weeks after Joe had been elected to the Senate for this first time. He took the oath of office at Beau’s bedside. Beau suffered a stroke in 2010, which re-enforced the importance of family to the politician.

Having long-term dreams is a good thing … but having a plan has never worked for me, because life always intervenes.

Beau Biden, in a 2010 interview with the Associated Press