Rob Ford – the former Toronto mayor best known for his rampant drug use and controversial comments while in office – has passed away at age 46.
No official cause of death has been reported, but Ford had been battling cancer since 2014.
Ford gained international notoriety when he admitted to smoking crack cocaine in November of 2013 while he was still serving as mayor.
He entered rehab the following year after video that showed him smoking crack and appearing to threaten a political rival went viral online.
It’s not known is Ford was successful in getting sober, but shortly after leaving treatment he was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma after doctors discovered a tumor in his stomach.
“I have a problem with alcohol, and the choices I have made while under the influence. I have struggled with this for some time,” Ford stated during one of his final interviews.
He later admitted to using crack cocaine, but denied that he was an addict.
Despite his many scandals, Ford was beloved by his constituency and enjoyed a high approval rating throughout his career in politics.
He withdrew from the 2014 election, but stated that he planned to run for mayor again in 2016.
While his life and career were cut tragically short, Ford had been called one of the most unforgettable figures in 21st Century politics.
