MONROVIA, Montserrado – A source within the Liberty Party has confirmed to The Bush Chicken that the party’s former standard-bearer, Charles Walker Brumskine, died from complications related to prostate cancer.

Immediately following the 2017 presidential and general elections, Brumskine fell critically ill and was rushed to the United States for medical attention. In August, the Liberty Party’s National Executive Committee reacted to widespread but false speculation that its former standard-bearer was dead.

Although the family did not release any official public statement on the cause of Brumskine’s death, party executives were reliably informed by a family member on Thursday, Nov. 21 that the cause of death was prostate cancer. It has only recently become publicly known that the deceased battled prostate cancer for many years.

Following Brumskine’s death announcement, President George Weah was among the many issuing public statements of condolence. The president called Brumskine an astute statesman and accomplished public servant whose dedication to the country remains irrefutable.

He said the former Liberty Party standard-bearer “impacted many lives and contributed immensely in helping shape the country’s democracy for the better. Brumskine was a true trailblazer of civil liberties and a man of impeccable character.”

“As Liberians mourn the demise of this decorated public servant, the government of Liberia would like to extend its heartfelt condolences and profound sympathies to the Brumskine family, partisans of the LP and the people of Grand Bassa for the death of their son, father, and political leader,” the president added.

Weah has asked all Liberians to reflect thoughtfully and prayerfully upon the deceased’s life, for peace for his grieving family, asking that God grants them strength. A day after, the president declared Nov. 22 Day of National Mourning for the fallen political leader.

Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor also extended deepest condolences to the Liberty Party, the Brumskine family, the people of Grand Bassa, and all Liberians.

“Brumskine was a legal luminary whose contributions to the country’s justice system and political sphere will truly be missed,” the vice president office wrote.

She continued, “Our thoughts and prayers also go to the judiciary, the Liberia Bar Association, and all those touched by the loss.”

On Nov. 21, the Alternative National Congress political party also expressed its deepest sympathy to family members, the party, and the nation in its press statement, describing the deceased as an erudite lawyer and statesman.

Meanwhile, Liberty Party has announced that Brumskine’s remains will arrive at the Roberts International Airport on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, his body will be taken to the Samuel Stryker Funeral Home in Sinkor.

“Partisans of the LP, members of the Collaborating Political Parties, government officials, sympathizers, and religious community are asked to turnout at the RIA to receive the remains of Brumskine,” the party announced.

The party also released information on the activities surrounding Brumskine’s burial, including the signing of a book of condolence at the rotunda of the Capitol Building from December 10 to 11. Additionally, wake keeping will occur on Dec. 12 at the Bethel Church from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“Funeral takes place on Dec. 13 at the Bethel Church, beginning at 10:00 am,” the party added.

On Dec. 14 at 8:00 a.m., Brumskine’s remains will be taken to Grand Bassa, where he will lay in state at the Unification Pavilion in Buchanan from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The former opposition leader is expected to be buried on Dec. 14 in Upper Buchanan, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah