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How did Desmond Tutu die? Archbishop won Nobel Peace Prize for fight against apartheid

Desmond Tutu is known as a veteran of South Africa’s struggle against White minority rule

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and veteran of South Africa’s struggle against White minority rule, died on December 26 aged 90. Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent opposition to apartheid in 1984. He chaired a Truth and Reconciliation Commission a decade later, in an attempt to bring to the fore atrocities committed in those days.

“The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa,” South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a tweet. "Desmond Tutu was a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead. We pray that Archbishop Tutu’s soul will rest in peace but that his spirit will stand sentry over the future of our nation," he wrote in a separate tweet.

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How did Desmond Tutu die?

Back in the late 1990s, Tutu was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was hospitalized on various occasions in the recent years to treat infections associated with his treatment for cancer.

“Ultimately, at the age of 90, he died peacefully at the Oasis Frail Care Centre in Cape Town this morning,” Dr Ramphela Mamphele, acting chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust and Co-ordinator of the Office of the Archbishop, said in a statement on Tutu's family's behalf. Tutu's cause of death, however, has not been revealed. 

What is social media saying?

Tributes and condolences poured in on social media after news of Tutu's death surfaced. Several Twitter users, including celebrities, expressed their sorrow at his passing. "Archbishop Desmond Tutu has passed away. This is the most devastating news to wake up to MHSRIP and thank you for all you do for us as a nation Arch," Leanne Manas, a South African businesswoman and TV presenter wrote. "RIP Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 90. A magnificently charismatic & heroic figure who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his relentless campaign against Apartheid in South Africa. Love his quote: ‘If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies'," wrote Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote. Australian politician Anthony Albanese wrote, "Sad to hear about Desmond Tutu’s passing. A giant in the fight for equality and justice, he’ll be missed and remembered for his role in transforming South Africa and dismantling apartheid."

"Heaven’s new resident with a sparkling laugh is Earth’s loss. Thank you for the laughter, the mercy and the justice. RIP Desmond Tutu, bishop, prophet and peacemaker," one user wrote, while another said, "Just heard Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace prize laureate who helped end apartheid in South Africa, has died aged 90. The world has lost a great champion of the oppressed. RIP." "ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU dies at 90, South Africa President Ramaphosa announces in a statement. My deepest condolences goes out to South African brothers and sisters, family members, loved ones and Christian across the world. May his soul rest in peace," one user said.