Conservative internet publisher Andrew Beirtbart has passed away at the young age of 43, confirmed by his attorney and the editor-in-chief of his websites. There is no definitive confirmation as to the cause of his unexpected death, although the statement on his websites said it was due to natural causes.

For those of you who aren’t too familiar with Breitbart, he’s probably most known for releasing an edited video that made Agriculture Department employee Shirley Sherrod appear to be making racist remarks, as well as breaking the news that Rep. Anthony Weiner Tweeted lewd photos to a woman he met online. Sherrod lost her job over the video, which turned out to be false, prompting a lawsuit, and Weiner later admitted the photos were real and resigned.

Shortly before midnight Thursday morning, Breitbart collapsed in the street while walking near his house in Brentwood. Someone saw him collapse and called 911. Paramedics tried to revive him and then rushed him to UCLA Medical Center. Breitbart had suffered heart problems a year earlier.

The statement posted on Breitbart’s sites read:

We have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a dear friend, a patriot and a happy warrior. Andrew lived boldly, so that we more timid souls would dare to live freely and fully, and fight for the fragile liberty he showed us how to love.

Breitbart ruffled some feathers by fearlessly picking fights with politicians. Because of his ability to express his opinion and finding his truth without hesitation, he earned a reputation as one of the most influential commentators in the US. He created and wrote for several politically charged sites, including Big Government, Big Hollywood and Breitbart.tv, and is also the author of ‘Righteous Indignation.’

He is survived by his wife Susannah Bean Breitbart and four children.

[via Fox News]

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