American congressman and civil rights icon, John Lewis is dead

American congressman and civil rights icon, John Lewis has died

Lewis died after a battle with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer. Lewis began treatment for the disease after being diagnosed during a routine medical exam. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in late December.

Rep. John Lewis, the longtime Georgia Congressman and icon of the civil rights movement, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, it was confirmed late Friday.He was 80.

“It is with inconsolable grief and enduring sadness that we announce the passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis,” his family said in a statement. “He was honored and respected as the conscience of the US Congress and an icon of American history, but we knew him as a loving father and brother. He was a stalwart champion in the on-going struggle to demand respect for the dignity and worth of every human being. He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America. He will be deeply missed.”