The company, in a statement, announced that Steve Jobs has passed away after years of battling pancreatic cancer.
Jobs has been diagnosed with the cancerous tumor in his pancreas in 2004, a type of cancer can be cured if diagnosed early. And in 2009, he was forced to get a liver transplant.
After several years of failing health, Steve Jobs announced his resignation from his role as Apple’s CEO effective August 24, 2011. In his letter of resignation, Jobs strongly recommended that the Apple executive succession plan be followed and Tim Cook be named as his successor. Per his request, Jobs was appointed chairman of Apple’s board of directors.
On October 5, 2011, Apple announced that Jobs had died. He was 56 years old.
The official statement from the company reads:
“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.
His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”
Apple’s official website also posted a short eulogy for their founder:
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.
