Knowland was found dead in late February 1974 in what appeared to be a [[suicide]] by gunshot,<ref name="William E Knowland Is Apparent Suicide; Ex‐Senator Was 65"/> which was soon confirmed by an autopsy.<ref name=autopsyreport/> Then-Vice President [[Gerald Ford]] stated:
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Following continued and perpetuating turmoil ever since his divorce from Helen, Knowland was found dead in late February 1974 in what appeared to be a [[suicide]] by gunshot,<ref name="William E Knowland Is Apparent Suicide; Ex‐Senator Was 65"/> which was soon confirmed by an autopsy.<ref name=autopsyreport/> Then-Vice President [[Gerald Ford]] stated:
{{cquote|I am deeply grieved by the death of Bill Knowland. Bill was a close personal friend of mine. He was an, outstanding American who served his country well in a time of great need.}}
{{cquote|I am deeply grieved by the death of Bill Knowland. Bill was a close personal friend of mine. He was an, outstanding American who served his country well in a time of great need.}}