The death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was announced during a national television broadcast Tuesday. He was 58.
With a broken voice and tears streaming down his face, Vice President Nicolas Maduro reported that the president’s death occurred at 4:25 p.m. He said, “Let there be no weakness, no violence. Let there be no hate. In our hearts there should only be one sentiment: Love. Love, peace and discipline.”
The constitution mandates that elections should be called in 30 days. Chavez had specified that his supporters should support Maduro as his successor.
Hugo Chavez was elected president in 1999, with huge support from the country’s poor. The controversial socialist dictator quickly became a constant thorn in the side of the United States.
The leader had been receiving cancer treatment since 2011, with several trips to Cuba for chemotherapy and surgery. It was reported in December that his pelvic cancer had returned.
His public appearances diminished in recent months and he reportedly died from a severe respiratory infection.
Photo Credit: WENN.com