Bill Richardson, former US diplomat and negotiator, passes away at 75.

author: FutureCar Staff    

Bill Richardson, a former American ambassador to the United Nations and advocate for the release of Americans detained by foreign adversaries, passed away at the age of 75. The Richardson Centre for Global Engagement, an organization he founded to promote diplomacy and peacekeeping, confirmed his death in Chatham, Massachusetts.

Throughout his career, Richardson became known for his efforts in securing the release of hostages and individuals unjustly imprisoned worldwide. Mickey Bergman, the vice president of the Richardson Centre, praised Richardson's dedication to serving others, both during his time in government and in his subsequent career.

Richardson's accomplishments included serving as the US energy secretary and as the US ambassador to the United Nations under the Clinton administration. He gained recognition for his willingness to engage with leaders who were not allies of the United States, such as Saddam Hussein of Iraq and Fidel Castro of Cuba.

One notable instance of Richardson's diplomatic work occurred in 1994 when he was visiting North Korean nuclear sites. During his visit, news arrived that an American helicopter pilot had been shot down and killed. The Clinton White House sought Richardson's assistance, and after days of tough negotiations, he accompanied the remains of one pilot back to the US while paving the way for the release of another.

Richardson's advocacy also led to the liberation of two Americans who had been imprisoned for illegally crossing into Iraq. In more recent years, he played a role in securing the release of US basketball star Brittney Griner from a Russian prison after she was convicted of a drug offense.

While some US officials occasionally expressed concern about Richardson's activism, the Richardson Centre emphasized that he was willing to engage with anyone if it meant bringing someone to freedom. Born to a Mexican mother and American father, Richardson initially pursued a career in baseball before earning a Master's degree at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

In 2007, Richardson made history as the first Latino to run for the US presidency, although his bid in the Democratic primaries was short-lived, ultimately leading to Barack Obama becoming the party's candidate.

FutureCar Staff