Son of US Vice President dies at 46

THE son of US Vice President Joe Biden has died at the age of 46 after a battle with brain cancer.

FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2013 file photo, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden pauses while speaking at a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington. On Saturday, May 30, 2015, Vice President Joe Biden announced the death of his son, Beau, from brain cancer. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Beau Biden, 46, the oldest son of Vice President Joe Biden, has died of cancer, a White House statement said.

The vice president, in the statement on behalf of the Biden family, announced “with broken hearts” that Beau had died after a battle with brain cancer.

Family man ... Beau Biden, holds his son, Hunter, as he walks with his wife, Hallie, holding their daughter, Natalie in 2006 as they enter a polling place. Picture: AP/Pat Crowe II

“The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words. We know that Beau’s spirit will live on in all of us — especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter,” the statement read.

It added that Beau “battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage and strength he demonstrated every day of his life.”

President Barack Obama, in a separate statement, expressed his condolences late on Saturday.

Tragic ... Vice President Biden announced the death of son, Beau, from brain cancer. Picture: AP/Paul Sancya

“Michelle and I are grieving tonight,” Obama said.

“Beau took after Joe. He studied the law, like his dad, even choosing the same law school. He chased a life of public service, like his dad, serving in Iraq and as Delaware’s attorney general,” the president said.

Special bond ... Captain Beau Biden carries his son Hunter, 3, on his shoulders in 2009 after an official welcome home ceremony for members of the Delaware Army National Guard. Picture: AP/Rob Carr

“Like his dad, Beau was a good, big-hearted, devoutly Catholic and deeply faithful man, who made a difference in the lives of all he touched — and he lives on in their hearts.”

Beau Biden, an attorney, briefly considered running for the US Senate to take the seat vacated when his father became vice president, but ultimately opted instead to practice law after leaving the post as Delaware’s attorney general.