Report: Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, 78, Dies Sunday

Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry died in the early hours Sunday after being discharged from a D.C. hospital, according to a report by The Washington Post.

Barry was a four-term mayor of Washington, D.C. whose career was a roller-coaster of ups and downs.

The 78-year old current City Council member died after he was discharged from Howard University Hospital, the newspaper reported. He and a driver had reportedly gone to pick up food and go home.

Barry died at 1:46 a.m., according to United Medical Center, where he was taken after he collapsed at his home.

His family released a statement shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday:

It is with deep regret that the family of former Four-time D.C. Mayor, and Ward 8 City Councilman, Marion S. Barry, Jr., announces that he has passed.

Mr. Barry transitioned at approximately 12 midnight on November 23, 2014, at the United Medical Center, after having been released from Howard University Hospital on Saturday, November 22, 2014.

Mr. Barry released his autobiography “Mayor For Life, the Incredible Story of Marion Barry, Jr.” in June 2014.

He will appear on OPRAH today at 9:00 p.m. EST to discuss his book, and 40 year political and civil rights career.

He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Cora Masters Barry and his only child, son Marion Christopher Barry.

We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy at this time.

D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray said in a statement that he would work with Barry’s family and the D.C. Council to plan ceremonies worthy of a “true statesman of the District of Columbia.”

PHOTO: Undated photo of former DC Mayor Marion Barry, via Facebook