Charles Kennedy, former leader of UK's Liberal Democrats who led his party to its best general election result since the 1920s in 2005, has died at his home in Fort William, Scotland.
"It is with great sadness, and an enormous sense of shock, that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy," 55-year-old Kennedy's family said in a statement.
"We are obviously devastated at the loss. Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son."
His family said they were devastated to lose a "fine man and loving father".
No cause of death has been given but police said it was not suspicious.
He took over the leadership of the party from Paddy Ashdown in 1999, leading the party to its best general election result since the 1920s in 2005, claiming 62 seats on the back of his lone stand among major party leaders in opposing the Iraq invasion.
Politicians including Nick Clegg and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have been paying tribute, calling him "one of the most talented politicians".
Clegg, who resigned as Lib Dem leader last month, said: "Charles devoted his life to public service, yet he had an unusual gift for speaking about politics with humour and humility which touched people well beyond the world of politics.
"He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous too not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police officers attended an address at Fort William on Monday, June 1 to reports of the sudden death of a 55-year-old man.
"Police were notified by ambulance service personnel. There are no suspicious circumstances.
