Nelson Mandela Dead at Age 95

Legendary activist Nelson Mandela has passed away at 95 years old.

Mr. Mandela has had chronic lung problems since contracting tuberculosis during his 27-year imprisonment for fighting apartheid. He emerged from prison in 1990 to lead the African National Congress in negotiating an end to white minority rule, and in 1994 he was elected South Africa’s first black president.

He served just one term, stepping aside in 1999. He has been largely absent from public life since 2004, and was last seen publicly in 2010 during the World Cup soccer championship, which South Africa hosted.

As Mr. Mandela’s health has deteriorated, an increasingly ugly battle over his legacy and money has erupted, with two of his daughters suing his close confidant George Bizos over access to a trust fund that Mr. Mandela set up for his descendants.

RIP.