Heart attacks and hunting accidents: Five times Cheney became the story

November 4, 2025

Dick Cheney, who died at 84, was an unconventional and powerful vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, known for wielding exceptional influence and occasionally breaking from his boss's positions. His career was marked by controversial moments including accidentally shooting a hunting companion, having his pacemaker modified to prevent potential hacking by foreign agents, and being sequestered in secret locations after the 9/11 attacks where he authorized shooting down hijacked planes.

Who is affected

Dick Cheney (deceased at 84)
Harry Whittington (shooting victim, 78 years old at the time)
George W. Bush (former president)
Mary Cheney (Dick Cheney's lesbian daughter)
Patrick Leahy (former Vermont Senator)
Dr. Jonathan Reiner (Cheney's doctor)
Halliburton (defense contractor and Cheney's former employer)
Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council
The Republican Party

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are stated in the article. The article is a retrospective obituary covering past events from Cheney's career.

Why it matters

Cheney's legacy matters because he redefined the role of vice president by exercising unprecedented power and influence in Washington, demonstrating that the position could be more than ceremonial. His willingness to break with his own president on significant social issues like same-sex marriage showed political independence despite party pressures. His post-9/11 security measures and authorization to shoot down hijacked planes reflected the extraordinary authority he wielded during a critical moment in American history. His controversial connections to defense contracting and the Iraq War continue to raise questions about conflicts of interest in government.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC