Former Argentine president Nestor Kirchner, the husband of the nation's current president, Cristina Kirchner, died suddenly October 27th after suffering a heart attack. He was 60 years old.Mr. Kirchner died at a hospital in the southern city of El Calafate.
The former president had suffered heart problems in the past and had surgery just last month to treat a blocked artery.
Mr. Kirchner served as president of Argentina from 2003 to 2007, when his wife succeeded him. He was credited with leading the country out of a severe financial crisis while in office, and many expected him to run for president again in next year's elections.
Mr. Kirchner stayed active in politics after leaving office, serving in the Argentine congress and as leader of the country's Peronist party.
A lawyer by training, Mr. Kirchner was first elected to public office as mayor of the southern city of Rio Gallegos, his hometown. He later became governor of the province of Santa Cruz.
As secretary general of the Union of South American Republics, or Unasur, Kirchner mediated one of the many border disputes between Venezuela and Colombia. Both countries' leaders mourned his loss on Wednesday.
"Oh my dear Cristina...how sad! What a huge loss suffered by Argentina and our America! May Kirchner live forever!" Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez tweeted.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos asked for a moment of silence in Bogota in Kirchner's honor.
"It's a great loss for Argentina and a great loss for the continent," he said, adding that he would try to reach Fernandez to share his condolences.
U.S. President Barack Obama also praised Kirchner's significant roles in Argentina and Unasur. "Michelle's and my thoughts and prayers are with President Fernandez de Kirchner and their children," he said.
adapted from The New York Times and VOANews
