Apple announced Wednesday (October 5) that co-founder Steve Jobs had died at age 56.
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," read a statement posted on Apple.com. "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."
Jobs, who stepped down as Apple's CEO in August, had told employees in 2004 that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While he at first appeared to have successfully removed the cancerous tumor that same year, his health then continued to deteriorate over the years and he took a medical leave of absence in early 2011. See How Jobs Changed the Music Industry Forever and Tell Us How Steve Jobs Changed Your Life