Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez dead of cancer at age 58

Chavez had been seriously ill with cancer for more than a year, undergoing several operations in Cuba, and had not been seen in public for several months.

Vice-President Nicolas Maduro would assume the presidency until an election is called within 30 days.

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Hugo Chavez with Barack Obama

Hugo Chavez with Fidel Castro ______________________________________

From a report at the second link below:

The controversial leader had a slew of Hollywood heavyweights supporting him throughout his reign, with the most vocal two being actor Sean Penn and filmmaker Oliver Stone.

“I lost a friend I was blessed to have,” said Sean Penn shown with Chávez in left photo.

“I mourn a great hero,” said Oliver Stone shown with Chávez in right photo.

Link here and here.