Herman Cain Dies of COVID-19, Was Hospitalized After Trump's Tulsa Rally

"Cain, who recently joined Newsmax TV and was set to launch a weekly show, died in an Atlanta-area hospital where he had been critically ill for several weeks", the conservative website Newsmax, where Cain was a contributor, reported.

Cain, 74, was diagnosed with the disease in late June and later hospitalised after attending a Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally for President Donald Trump, where many attendees crowded close together without wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Cain made his name in the restaurant industry, where he ran the Nebraska-based Godfather's Pizza franchise from 1986 to 1996 and has claimed his leadership saved the company from bankruptcy.

US President Donald Trump considered him past year for a position on the US Federal Reserve, before his candidacy withered under the opposition of several key Republicans.

Cain's official Twitter page shared the sad news Thursday morning.

A spokesperson for Cain said on Monday that he remained hospitalized and was being treated with oxygen for his lungs.

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While in the hospital, Cain commented on a July 4 celebration at Mt. Rushmore, tweeting: "Masks will not be mandatory for the event, which will be attended by President Trump". He did not meet with Trump there, according to the campaign.

Cain then tried his hand at national politics, spicing up the 2012 race for the Republican presidential nomination with his lively interviews and debate performances.

Trump considered Cain past year for a spot on the Federal Reserve Board, but Cain removed himself from contention, CNN reported.

News of Cain's death was shared on his website.

In a series of tweets at the beginning of the week, Cain appeared to be getting better after being hospitalized for the coronavirus. "His wife Gloria - his children Melanie and Vincent - and his grandchildren ... they need our love, our support and our prayers". "We will never forget his legacy of grace, patriotism, and faith".