Rob Ford, the boisterous, hard-partying and scandal-plagued former Toronto mayor whose battle with a rare abdominal cancer forced him out of the 2014 election race, died Tuesday, according to a family statement released by his office.

His death comes just days after doctors said he was planning to resume treatment for a recurrence.

"With heavy hearts and profound sadness, the Ford family announces the passing of their beloved son, brother, husband and father, Councillor Rob Ford," his office said in a statement. "A dedicated man of the people, Councillor Ford spent his life serving the people of Toronto."