Ash Carter, former Obama defense secretary, dies at 68

Ash Carter, who was former President Barack Obama’s last secretary of defense, has died at the age of 68, his family said Tuesday. The former official died Monday night in Boston, according to the statement.

In 2014, then-President Obama nominated Carter for the post of Secretary of Defense, which he held from February 2015 to January 2017.

Carter suffered “a sudden cardiac event,” his family said. The former secretary “devoted his professional life to the national security of the United States and to teaching students about international affairs. He was a beloved husband, father, mentor and friend. His suddenness is mourned by all who knew him,” they announced.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his children, Ava and Will.