After being transferred to an intensive care unit a week earlier, Trujillo, aged 69, died in a military hospital in Bogota.
Colombia's Defence Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo has died from viral pneumonia related to Covid-19, the government said.
After being transferred to an intensive care unit a week earlier, he died on Tuesday in the military hospital in Bogota aged 69.
"The death of Carlos Holmes fills me with pain," a visibly moved President Ivan Duque said. "Colombia has lost one of its best men."
Trujillo's 30-year career
Before serving as defence minister, from where he coordinated military and police operations in the fight against drug trafficking, illegal armed groups, illicit mining and other criminal acts, Trujillo served as foreign minister in Duque's government.
A lawyer, politician and diplomat whose career spanned more than 30 years, he was mayor of the city of Cali, a member of the National Assembly which reformed Colombia's constitution in 1991.
He also served as interior minister and education minister among other roles.
READ MORE: Virus could push 14 million into hunger in Latin America - UN
Other infected officials
Other notable Colombians infected with coronavirus include first lady Maria Juliana Ruiz, who tested positive in November, and Vice President Marta Lucia Ramirez, who tested positive in October.
President Ivan Duque has not tested positive. Duque has regular coronavirus tests because of his high level of exposure and busy schedule.
Colombia has reported more than 2 million coronavirus infections, as well as close to 52,000 deaths due to Covid-19, the disease it causes.
READ MORE: Attacks on medical teams surge in virus-hit Colombia
Copyright © 2024 TRT World.