Former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Dead at 46

— -- Rob Ford, the former mayor of Toronto, has died at the age of 46 after battling cancer, his family said today. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in September 2014.

Ford's term as mayor of Toronto launched him into the international spotlight, due in part to a scandal involving illegal drug use while in office, but also for his polarizing politics in Canada's largest city.

Ford is survived by his wife and two young children.

John Tory, the current Mayor of Toronto said in a statement, "I have known Rob Ford for many years. He was a man who spoke his mind and who ran for office because of the deeply felt convictions that he had. As a councillor, mayor and private citizen, Rob Ford reached out directly to people across the city with a phone call, an offer of advice or support, and I know there are many who were affected by his gregarious nature and approach to public service."