Washington: Beau Biden, 46, the oldest son of US Vice President Joe Biden, has died of cancer, a White House statement said late on Saturday.
The vice president, in the statement on behalf of the Biden family, announced "with broken hearts" that Beau had died after a battle with brain cancer.
"The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words. We know that Beau's spirit will live on in all of us - especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter," the statement read.
It added that Beau "battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage and strength he demonstrated every day of his life."
President Barack Obama, in a separate statement, expressed his condolences.
"Michelle and I are grieving tonight," Obama said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with @VP Biden and his family after the passing of his beloved son, Beau Biden. https://t.co/Wpb48cYgK9
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 31, 2015
FILE - In this Jan. 3, 1985 file photo, Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) holds his daughter, Ashley, while taking a re-enacted oath of office from Vice President George Bush during a ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington as his sons Beau, foreground, and Hunter hold the bible. On Saturday, May 30, 2015, Vice President Joe Biden announced the death of son, Beau, from brain cancer. (Photo: AP)
"Beau took after Joe. He studied the law, like his dad, even choosing the same law school. He chased a life of public service, like his dad, serving in Iraq and as Delaware's attorney general," the president said.
"Like his dad, Beau was a good, big-hearted, devoutly Catholic and deeply faithful man, who made a difference in the lives of all he touched - and he lives on in their hearts."
Beau Biden, an attorney, briefly considered running for the US Senate to take the seat vacated when his father became vice president, but ultimately opted instead to practice law after leaving the post as Delaware's attorney general.
"In the words of the Biden family: Beau Biden was, quite simply, the finest man any of us have ever known" —@VP Biden pic.twitter.com/wayhHq78hx
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 31, 2015
