Donald Trump’s brother Robert, 71, has died just one day after the president visited him in hospital in New York.
The president said in a statement on Saturday night: ‘It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight.
‘He was not just my brother, he was my best friend. He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace.’
Robert, who reportedly took blood thinners, had suffered recent brain bleeds that began after a recent fall, according to a close friend of the family, who spoke to The New York Times.
Over the past few weeks, he had not been able to speak on the phone, according to the family friend.
Rudy Giuliani, the president’s lawyer, was among the first to pay tribute to Robert.
‘Robert Trump has a big heart,’ he tweeted. ‘As a former Mayor I know how much he did to help New Yorkers in need.
‘We have lost a really good man. My love, prayers and condolences to the #Trump family.’
Eric Trump then tweeted fond memories of his uncle, describing him as ‘an incredible man’ who was ‘strong, kind and loyal to the core.’
Robert Trump had no children, but he helped raise Christopher Hollister Trump-Retchin, the son of his first wife, Blaine Trump.
Besides the president, he is survived by his second wife, Ann Marie Pallan, and his sisters, Maryanne Trump Barry and Elizabeth Trump Grau.
His brother Fred Trump Jr. died in 1981.
Robert’s death came one day after the president visited him in hospital in New York City, where he was said to be suffering from a serious condition.