How Did Roger Ailes Die? The Former Fox News CEO Was 77

News broke on Thursday morning that former CEO of Fox News, Roger Ailes, died at the age of 77. With the news of his death so sudden and shocking, many wonder how Roger Ailes died. The announcement of Ailes' death was made on the network he helped to cultivate and build.

In July of 2016, Ailes stepped down from his position as chairman and CEO of Fox News after months of media speculation following a sexual harassment lawsuit that had been filed against Ailes by a former anchor. One of the network's former anchors, Gretchen Carlson, alleged that Ailes had harassed her during her time with the network. In addition to the accusations leveled at Ailes by Carlson, a reported 20 other women had also spoken with lawyers about Ailes' "inappropriate behavior," according to CNN.

The case was settled in September of 2016 with a $20 million settlement deal via 21st Century Fox, and a public statement was released after the fact: "We sincerely regret and apologize for the fact that Gretchen was not treated with the respect and dignity that she and all of our colleagues deserve."

According to 21st Century Fox's Chairman Rupert Murdoch, Ailes planned to stay on as an adviser to the network since he'd been there from its beginning.

In a statement given to the media at the time, Murdoch said,

Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country. Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years.

Ailes also resigned from his positions with both Fox Business Network and Fox Television Stations in addition to leaving his role as the CEO of the news network.

CNN reported that, according to a family friend, Ailes fell last week at his home in Palm Beach, Florida and suffered complications due to the fall. According to the family friend, Ailes then slipped into a coma. A request made by Elite Daily to Ailes' rep was not immediately returned.

In a statement given to Drudge Report following the news of her husband's death, Elizabeth Ailes said the following:

I am profoundly sad and heartbroken to report that my husband, Roger Ailes, passed away this morning. Roger was a loving husband to me, to his son Zachary, and a loyal friend to many. He was also a patriot, profoundly grateful to live in a country that gave him so much opportunity to work hard, to rise—and to give back. During a career that stretched over more than five decades, his work in entertainment, in politics, and in news affected the lives of many millions. And so even as we mourn his death, we celebrate his life...

Following news of his death, Murdoch released the following statement: "He will be remembered by the many people on both sides of the camera that he discovered, nurtured and promoted. Roger and I shared a big idea which he executed in a way no one else could have."