India, March 21 -- Robert Mueller, the ex-special counsel who conducted an investigation into Russian interference during the 2016 election and the connections between Donald Trump and Moscow, has passed away. He was 81 years old.

In a statement, Mueller's family said, "With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night." They urged public to respect their privacy.

Mueller was appointed as special counsel in 2017 by then-deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein to manage the federal inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The specific cause of Mueller's death was not revealed right away. However, it is known that Mueller had been suffering from Parkinson's disease, a condition that was made public ...