Topline
Former Italian prime minister and billionaire Silvio Berlusconi died Monday at the age of 86, Italian media report, a media mogul and longtime fixture in Italian politics despite repeated scandals who passed away two months after reports emerged he had been diagnosed with leukemia.
Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi waves to reporters as he arrives at the Chamber of Deputies … [+]
Key Facts
Berlusconi died in Milan at the San Raffaele hospital, according to Italian media cited by the BBC, and no official cause for his death has yet been given.
Crucial Quote
“An era is over, an era is closing,” Italian defense minister Guido Crosetto said Monday, as translated by the BBC, saying Berlusconi’s death left a “huge void.” “I loved him so very much.”
Forbes Valuation
Forbes has valued Berlusconi and his five children’s wealth at $6.9 billion as of Monday, based on his media empire Finvest and stakes in media, publishing and banking firms.
This story is breaking and will be updated.