Steve Jobs Dead at 56

The world has lost a one-of-a-kind visionary. Today, at the age of 56, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs passed away.

No one is reporting exactly how he died, but it’s assumed that he succumbed to the pancreatic cancer that he has battled for years, and for which he recently stepped down as Apple’s CEO, leaving Tim Cook to pick up his legacy. Apple has posted a tribute to Jobs on their website, and Cook today sent the following message to the entire Apple team:

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

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.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

Apple’s Board of Directors made the following statement:

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.

I have to admit, when I heard the news, I actually gasped. I’ve never been Jobs’ greatest apologist, but I’ve always been impressed by his laser-like focus on knowing how to produce products that people want. And of course I have, for a long time, like many of you, been one of those people that want the amazing products that Jobs oversaw.

It’s kind of hard to believe we now live in a world without Steve Jobs in it. Over the last decade, no one has been more instrumental to influencing and creating the technology that we use everyday. An entire media industry — of which Apple Gazette is a part — rose up to follow, speculate on, and report on the latest secretive innovations that Steve and his people at Apple were working on next.

His talent was without equal, and he will be missed.

Update: Steve Jobs’ family just released the following statement:

Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.