🏛️World Leaders & Politicians

James Woolsey

American · 84 years old · Died 8 April 2026

Former CIA Director (1993–1995)

Cause of death

Stroke

R. James Woolsey Jr. served as Director of Central Intelligence under President Clinton, leading the CIA during the transition from Cold War-era espionage to the emerging threats of terrorism and cyber warfare. After leaving the CIA, he became a prominent voice on energy security and national defence. He died at 84 from a stroke.

How common is cardiovascular disease?

James Woolsey died of stroke. Globally, cardiovascular disease kills 18,600,000 people every year — that is 50,959 per day, or roughly one person every 2 seconds. It accounts for 30% of all deaths worldwide.

Deaths / year

18,600,000

Deaths / day

50,959

Deaths / hour

2,123

Deaths / second

0.59

Share of all global deaths

30%

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease

High blood pressure
Smoking
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Unhealthy diet

Since James Woolsey died

Live count since 8 April 2026

Total deaths worldwide since then

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Deaths from same cause since then

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Other notable deaths in 2026