Breaking: US Senator, Ex-Presidential Candidate John McCain Dies At 81

Former US Presidential candidate and Arizona Senator, John McCain has died at the age of 81.

McCain, a celebrated war hero, died on Saturday, a day after halting his treatment for a brain cancer.

He had revealed in July 2017 that he was suffering from aggressive glioblastoma.

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“Senator John Sidney McCain III died at 4:28pm on August 25, 2018. With the senator when he passed were his wife Cindy and their family,” his office said in a statement.

“At his death, he had served the United States of America faithfully for 60 years.”

The retired Navy fighter pilot, who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war for more than five years, entered Congress in 1983 from Arizona and has served in the Senate since 1987.

Before his death, the Republican Senator was the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee and a leading voice on defence and foreign policy.

He lost the 2008 presidential race to Democratic Party candidate, Barack Obama.

Since the announcement of his death, tributes have continued to flow in from across the world.

US Vice President Mike Pence wrote on Twitter: “Karen and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family on the passing of Senator John McCain. We honor his lifetime of service to this nation in our military and in public life. His family and friends will be in our prayers. God bless John McCain“

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau wrote: “Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing”

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison wrote:”Senator John McCain was a true friend of Australia who was committed to strengthening the alliance between our two nations. He was a man of great courage and conviction. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Cindy, and all the McCain family during this time.“