Ex-cia Chief James Woolsey, 84, Had Havana Syndrome, Wife Says

WHO:

ABC News - R. James Woolsey, CIA director during the Clinton administration, died at the age of 84.

ABC News - Woolsey's wife is Conchita Sarnoff Woolsey.

WHAT:

ABC News - Woolsey died from a stroke.

ABC News - Woolsey suffered from Havana syndrome, a mysterious condition reported by some U.S. diplomats and government personnel.

ABC News - Symptoms of Havana syndrome include headaches, balance problems, and difficulties with thinking and sleep.

WHERE:

ABC News - Woolsey died at his home in Washington.

WHEN:

ABC News - Woolsey became CIA director in early 1993.

ABC News - Woolsey left the CIA in early 1995.

ABC News - Woolsey was born on September 21, 1941.

WHY:

ABC News - Woolsey's health had declined in recent years due to Havana syndrome.

HOW:

ABC News - Woolsey was appointed CIA director by President Bill Clinton.

ABC News - Woolsey served as undersecretary of the Navy in the Carter administration and as an adviser on arms control issues to both Republican and Democratic presidents.

ABC News - Woolsey was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 as a special negotiator for NATO and the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact talks on reducing weapons and troops in Europe.

(UPDATED July 23, 2026 04:05 UTC)

R. James Woolsey, who served as CIA director during the Clinton administration, has passed away at the age of 84 due to a stroke at his home in Washington. Woolsey had been struggling with health issues related to Havana syndrome, a mysterious condition that has affected some U.S. diplomats and government personnel, causing symptoms like headaches and difficulties with thinking and sleep. Appointed by President Bill Clinton in early 1993, Woolsey's extensive career also included roles as undersecretary of the Navy and a special negotiator for NATO and the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact talks.