UPDATED: Rob Ford Loses Fight With Cancer

Former Toronto mayor and Ward 2 councillor Rob Ford has died of cancer. He was 46.

Ford died earlier today with his immediate family by his side. He had been in Toronto Mount Sinai Hospital since he was admitted last week for palliative care.

“With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved son, brother, husband, and father, Councillor Rob Ford earlier today at the age of 46.

A dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto.

The family asks that the public respect their privacy and join them in their grieving and their prayers.

The family will not be making any statements to the media or taking any questions.

Information will follow at a later time regarding memorial services.

Ford was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2014 in the midst of his bid for re-election. Renowned cancer surgeon Dr. Zane Cohen said Ford was battling an aggressive form of liposarcoma. When his cancer resurfaced he was set to receive a one of a kind experimental cancer treatment. However, late yesterday afternoon his office announced he is receiving palliative care.

Ford dropped out of the mayoral race but ran and won back his old council seat, representing Ward 2 in Etobicoke.

His successor, Mayor John Tory called Ford a compassionate politician reaching his constituents “directly”. Mayor Tory adds, “his time in City Hall included moments of kindness, of generosity to his council colleagues and real efforts to do what he thought was best for Toronto.”

Some of the Rob Ford’s colleague Councillor Vincent Crisanti said “Etobicoke and the City has lost, a compassionate leader, helping all who sought his help.”

City Hall Columnist Matt Elliott, says “people are gonna remember the scandal, but the influence he had at city hall will last for a long time.”

Ford leaves behind his wife Renata and his two children, his siblings Doug, Randy, Kathy and their families,  and his mother Diane.