Gerald Ford passes away at 93

Former President of the United States, Gerald Ford, has died at the age of 93. "Our believed husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather has passed away," Betty Ford said in a brief statement issued. "His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country." He was the 38th American President, taking office after Richard Nixon resigned in the midst of the infamous Watergate scandal. Ford has been battling pneumonia since the beginning of the year and has undergone two heart treatments at the Mayo Clinic. He was the longest living president, followed by Ronald Reagan, who also died at 93.

"Our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of lows and not of men. Here the people rule." Known as the "accidental" President, Ford was the only unelected President to serve in office and had the daunting task of unifying the country in the wake of the polarizing Watergate scandal. While in office, Ford pardoned his former boss, Nixon, in a controversial move that he said would help the nation move forward. He was only in the Oval Office for 895 days.

(Click here to visit the Gerald Ford Memorial website for the latest information)

(For a full biography/news article on Gerald Ford, click here)
(Click here for full coverage from Grand Rapids' WOOD TV8)

Services will be held in California, then in Washington, D.C., then Ford will be laid to rest at his museum in Grand Rapids, MI.

President George W. Bush released this statement:

Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford.

President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country. On Aug. 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and service as vice president, he assumed the presidency in an hour of national turmoil and division. With his quiet integrity, commonsense and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency.

The American people will always admire Gerald Ford's devotion to duty, his personal character and the honorable conduct of his administration. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th president will always have a special place in our nation's memory. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford's family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead.

Nancy Reagan has released this statement:

"Ronnie and I always considered him a dear friend and close political ally."

"His accomplishments and devotion to our country are vast, and even long after he left the presidency he made it a point to speak out on issues important to us all. I know that his early support of stem cell research has been important in getting the U.S. Congress to debate the potential lifesaving cures and treatments that may result."

More updates to come sporadically throughout the coming days...