The Richardson Center for Global Engagement announced today, Saturday, that "former American diplomat Bill Richardson has died at the age of 75." Richardson played a prominent role in securing the release of many Americans and others detained by various authoritarian governments. He held several positions, including Secretary of Energy and Governor of New Mexico, as well as serving in the House of Representatives.
Mickey Bergman, the center's vice president, stated in a press release that "Richardson passed away in his sleep at his home in Chatham, Massachusetts," adding: "The world has lost a hero who advocated for the unjustly detained abroad. I have lost a mentor and dear friend."
Richardson was born in Pasadena, California on November 15, 1947, to a Mexican mother and an American father. He served as a Democratic congressional member from 1982 to 1996, then was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Secretary of Energy, both during former President Bill Clinton's administration. Richardson was elected Governor of New Mexico from 2003 to 2011.
Due to his negotiation skills and strong relationships, he successfully secured the release of many detainees in various countries, including North Korea, Myanmar, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, and Cuba. While serving as Governor of New Mexico, Richardson sought the Democratic Party nomination for the 2008 presidential election but withdrew after disappointing results in the early voting in New Hampshire and Iowa.
Richardson personally negotiated with the late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in 1995 for the release of two American space workers who had crossed into Iraq from Kuwait.
