Former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed passes away at age 84

Peter Lougheed, former longtime premier of Alberta, is reported to have passed away at the age of 84.

Postmedia reports that Lougheed passed away in the hospital that bears his name on September 13. Lougheed served as the premier of Alberta from 1971 to 1985, and was recently named Canada's greatest premier of the past 40 years.

According to Metro News Edmonton, Lougheed's family announced his passing in a statement to the press late in the evening:

"It is with great sadness that the family of The Honourable E. Peter Lougheed, the tenth Premier of the Province of Alberta, announce that he passed away peacefully today from natural causes in Calgary, Alberta. He was 84 years of age."

Lougheed leaves behind a wife, four children and seven grandchildren.

Reports of Lougheed entering hospital for an undisclosed heart condition surfaced earlier this week.

The family says they will be holding a private service, and plans for a public memorial will be announced later.