Hugo Chavez dead at 58: Venezuelan president loses battle to cancer

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez is dead at 58 years old, reports CNN. The self-proclaimed "21st century socialist" and adversary to the United States has been battling cancer for years. He had not been seen publicly since Dec. 11, when he underwent a fourth surgery.

Chavez was known for his disdain of President George W. Bush, calling him "liar," "coward," "murderer," and "donkey," among other barbs. In 2006, he claimed Bush was "the devil."

Word is that Chavez struggled with a respiratory infection in his final weeks, though he never disclosed what sort of cancer he had. He recently sought treatment in Cuba.

He will be succeeded by Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro.