Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, passed away on February 17, 2026, due to complications from progressive supranuclear palsy, which he was diagnosed with shortly before his death.
Jesse Jackson, the renowned civil rights activist and reverend, has died at the age of 84 on February 17, 2026, leaving a significant impact on the civil rights movement. Despite facing health challenges over the past decade, Jackson remained active in advocating for social justice until his health no longer permitted him to do so. His passing occurred in a hospital, surrounded by his family, marking the end of a brave and complex struggle against a degenerative neurological disease.
The primary cause of Jackson's death has been identified as complications arising from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare brain disorder that severely impacts motor control, balance, and eye movement. Jackson had also been coping with Parkinson's disease, diagnosed in 2017, adding complexity to his ongoing health issues. The combination of these severe neurological conditions highlights the challenges faced by individuals combating multiple degenerative diseases.
Jackson's death marks a significant loss in the realm of civil rights advocacy, as he was a pivotal figure in the struggle for equality and social justice in the United States. His contributions and leadership echo through contemporary movements, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The community mourns not only the loss of a leader but also the end of an era in civil rights activism.
