Steve Jobs Has Died; Apple Co-Founder Was 56

Steve Jobs, the visionary who co-founded Apple, left the company, and then returned to build it into a global powerhouse, has died at age 56, according to the company.

Jobs had been fighting pancreatic cancer for several years — a battle that forced him to take several extended breaks from his duties as Apple's CEO. He resigned from that post on Aug. 24, 2011.

In a statement on its website, the technology firm said:

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 inspiring mentor. Steve leaves the company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

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