Former White House Press Secretary James Brady, his son Scott Brady and wife Sarah Brady visit the press briefing room that bears his name in the West Wing of the White House with current Press Secretary Jay Carney March 30, 2011 in Washington, DC. Brady was visiting the White House on the 30th anniversary of the day he was shot in the head by John Hinckley, Jr., during his attempted assassination former President Ronald Reagan March 30, 1981. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

James Brady, the former White House Press Secretary who became a gun control champion after being shot in the head, has died. He was 73.

Brady served in President Ronald Reagan’s administration and was shot during a 1981 assassination attempt. He was left paralyzed on the left side of his body and used a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

“We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Jim ‘Bear’ Brady has passed away after a series of health issues,” his family said in a statement. “Jim touched the lives of so many and has been a wonderful husband, father, friend and role model. We are enormously proud of Jim’s remarkable accomplishments.”

After the shooting, Brady and his wife Sarah became gun control advocates. A law mandating federally-licensed dealers to conduct background checks was named in Brady’s honor, and Sarah Brady served as chair of Handgun Control, Inc., which was renamed the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence in 2001. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996, and the White House press briefing room was named in his honor in 2000.

“Over the years, Jim inspired so many people as he turned adversity into accomplishment,” a statement from his family states. “Whether working to prevent others from becoming victims of gun violence, mentoring his Sigma Chi brothers, or working to improve the lives of of Americans with disabilities, Jim used his many talents and can-do attitude to make a difference in the lives of others.”

President Barack Obama called Brady “a legend at the White House for his warmth and professionalism as press secretary for President Reagan; for the strength he brought to bear in recovering from the shooting that nearly killed him 33 years ago; and for turning the events of that terrible afternoon into a remarkable legacy of service through the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.”