Hugo Chávez Has Died, Announces Venezuelan Government

Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez has died at age 58, according to Vice President Nicolás Maduro.

The charismatic leader had been in charge of South America's largest power for 14 years. He became the most controversial president in the region, publicly antagonizing the U.S.

Chavez had been battling cancer for two years, undergoing four different medical operations in Cuba. He returned to Venezuela last month, and suffered from bleeding and respiratory problems due to the severe chemotherapy.

Vice President Maduro announced in a public speech that Chávez had died on Tuesday at 4.25 p.m. Maduro teared up as he read the news.