James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence who oversaw the U.S. intelligence community from 1993 to 1995 during the first two years of President Bill Clinton's first term, died at age 84 on July 23, 2026. Woolsey also served as Undersecretary of the Navy during President Jimmy Carter's administration and as ambassador to the Negotiation on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe under President George H.W. Bush.

According to reports by The Washington Post and The New York Times, Woolsey's wife, Conchita Sarnoff Woolsey, stated that he died from a stroke. She also indicated that he had been suffering from deteriorating health in recent years due to "Havana syndrome," a condition for which they "have traveled the world trying to find a cure and a treatment," but sadly never found one.

The CIA extended condolences to Woolsey's family and loved ones, describing him as "a great patriot who served his country as Director of Central Intelligence, Undersecretary of the Navy, Ambassador, and attorney." The agency noted that during his tenure, Woolsey advocated for the CIA amid budget uncertainties at the end of the Cold War, helped preserve officer morale, and fostered cooperation between the Intelligence Community and law enforcement.

Woolsey's career also included testifying before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and participating in public discussions on U.S. counterintelligence challenges.

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