Alex Salmond, former Scottish First Minister of Scotland has died at the age of 69.
The news was originally broken by Scottish outlet STV earlier today (12 October), who confirmed the news via X.
Specific details regarding the former SNP leader’s passing are currently unclear, however, it is understood that he was giving a speech in North Macedonia earlier today and collapsed afterwards.
Salmond is widely known as a leading figure in Scottish politics, having served as First Minister of the country from 2007 until 2014. He also served as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 2004 until 2004, before being succeeded by Nicola Sturgeon.
Alex Salmond had been an influential figure in Scottish politics (Ken Jack / Contributor / Getty)
He was also influential in Scotland’s independence referendum, with the country’s decision to vote to remain within the United Kingdom leading to his resignation as First Minister.
Tributes to the 69-year-old are expected to pour in, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calling him a ‘a central figure in politics’ in a statement on X, while former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added: “Alex Salmond was a huge figure in our politics.
“While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.”
Actor John Amos has died at the age of 84, his son has announced.
Amos rose to fame in the 70s with his portrayal of hard-working father James Evans Sr. on TV show Good Times.
He then gained critical acclaim for playing Kunta Kinte Roots, a 1977 miniseries about the horrors of slavery, which earned him an Emmy nomination.
In 1988, Amos played Cleo McDowell in Coming to America alongside Eddie Murphy.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” his son Kelly Christopher Amos said in a statement.
John Amos has died at the age of 84 (J.Sciulli/WireImage)
“He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father.
“He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
His son confirmed that he passed away from natural causes on 21 August in Los Angeles.
In an interview before he died, Amos believed that Hollywood has made advances in relation to racism following the release of Roots over 45 years ago.
“You’d have to ask each black actor in Hollywood. Have we made advances? Yes, we have,” he told Screen Rant.
“Are we all the way there yet, where we have total artistic, creative freedom? No, but then how many people have reached the level of a Steven Spielberg?
“Even white actors. That is a very lofty perch. And the bottom line is we’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’re well on our way towards getting it done.”
Featured Image Credit: J.Sciulli/WireImage/SGranitz/WireImage
