Date and circumstances of Ronald Reagan’s death
Ronald Reagan died on June 5, 2004, at his home in Los Angeles, California. He was 93 years old. The immediate cause was complications from Alzheimer’s disease, which he had publicly disclosed in 1994. His wife, Nancy Reagan, and children were by his side. Official confirmation came from his physician and White House records, establishing the factual basis for this milestone in presidential history.
Verified timeline of Ronald Reagan’s final days
In the months leading to his death, Reagan’s condition gradually deteriorated. His care team observed increasing frailty while remaining watchful for treatable issues. On the evening of June 5, 2004, at approximately 9:08 p.m. Pacific Time, his physician, Dr. John Hutton, pronounces him deceased at the Reagan home in Los Angeles. The following facts are drawn from contemporaneous medical reports, physician statements, and official White House archives.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | June 5, 2004 | White House medical records, physician statement |
| Location | Home in Los Angeles, California, United States | Physician and official White House release |
| Age at death | 93 years old | Birth date confirmed as February 6, 1911 |
| Immediate cause | Complications from Alzheimer’s disease | Physician diagnosis and public medical history |
| Announcement time | Approximately 9:08 p.m. Pacific Time | Physician and contemporaneous news reports |
Official confirmation and public communication
Within hours of Reagan’s passing, press secretary Scott McCurry issued a brief, factual statement to national news outlets. The announcement emphasized clarity and respect, avoiding speculation while confirming key details. Later statements from the Reagan family and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation provided additional context, underscoring the planned nature of the announcement and the preservation of dignity in the final moments.
Immediate political and historical context
Reagan’s death occurred during the presidency of George W. Bush. A period of national reflection followed, with flags lowered at federal buildings and remembrance events at the Reagan Library. Succession had already been addressed through the Twenty-fifth Amendment in prior decades, ensuring continuity of executive authority. This context highlights the procedural stability that follows the death of a former commander in chief.
Long-term significance and enduring legacy
Ronald Reagan’s passing marked the end of an era in American politics. His policies and communication style continue to influence conservative thought and electoral strategy. Memorial services and historical assessments since 2004 have documented his impact on Cold War outcomes, tax policy, and federal governance. Public and scholarly interest remains steady, ensuring that factual accounts of his death and legacy remain accessible and accurate for researchers and the public.
Key facts at a glance
- Reagan died on June 5, 2004, at age 93
- Location: his home in Los Angeles, California
- Cause of death: complications from Alzheimer’s disease
- Announcement time: approximately 9:08 p.m. Pacific Time
- Succeeded in office by George W. Bush as president; as a former president, he was entitled to continued Secret Service protection and state funeral arrangements
Sources and further reading
Information in this article is drawn from White House archives, contemporaneous physician statements, and major news organizations’ verified reporting from June 2004. These sources prioritize accuracy and transparency, supporting long-term reference value. For deeper context, consult the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and official biographies that rely on primary materials.