Aldrich Ames, a former government agent and spy, passed away on January 5, 2026 at the age of 84. Born on May 26, 1941, in River Falls, Wisconsin, Ames had an accomplished career in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for over three decades. Ames began his career in 1962 as a Clandestine Service Trainee. He went on to serve as a field operative in multiple countries, including Mexico City, Ankara, and Bogota. In 1976, he was assigned to the CIA's Soviet Division, where he eventually rose to become the Chief of the Soviet Counterintelligence Branch. During his time at the CIA, Ames made significant contributions to the agency's efforts in countering Soviet espionage. However, in the mid-1980s, he began passing classified information to the Soviet Union in exchange for significant sums of money. This betrayal of his country and colleagues led to the deaths of at least ten CIA assets and the exposure of numerous intelligence operations. In 1994, Ames was arrested by the FBI and charged with espionage. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with a hefty fine. Ames spent the remainder of his life incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, Indiana. Despite his actions, Aldrich Ames' legacy in the intelligence community remains notable. His case served as a wake-up call for the US government to implement stricter security measures to prevent future espionage. Ames' story has also been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, making him a well-known figure in the world of espionage. Aldrich Ames is survived by his four children and ex-wife, who he was married to throughout his time at the CIA. He will be remembered for his intelligence and contributions to the field of counterintelligence, as well as the tragic consequences of his betrayal.