In a recent press release, Apple’s Board of Directors confirmed that the company’s co-founder and former CEO, Steve Jobs, has died:

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.

Jobs spent the last seven years of his life battling pancreatic cancer. After what had been labeled a successful liver transplant, in August of this year Jobs officially resigned as CEO of Apple Inc., following a nine month medical leave of absence.

Jobs founded Apple Inc. in 1976 along with co-founder Steve Wozniak. Since then, Jobs had been the creative genius and driving force behind many of the company’s most successful technological innovations, including the iPod, iPhone and iPad. The news of his death follows yesterday’s announcement of a new version of the iPhone.

The company’s website, www.apple.com, is currently displaying an image in memoriam of Jobs (seen above), along with the following message of mourning:

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.

Jobs was 56 years old.
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Photo: Apple.com