Media mogul Kerry Packer dies

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Australia's richest man, media and gambling mogul Kerry Packer, has died, his family said in a statement Tuesday. He was 68.

Packer was listed by Forbes magazine this year as the 94th richest man in the world with a US$5 billion fortune.

He died at his Sydney home Monday, according to the statement released through his Nine Network television.

"Mrs. Kerry Packer and her children James and Gretel sadly report the passing last evening of her husband and their father Kerry," a statement written by Nine executive Tony Ritchie said.

The statement did not detail a cause of death, but Packer had long been plagued by ill health, including a battle with cancer. He had also undergone a kidney transplant.

"He died peacefully at home with his family at his bedside," it said.

"He will be lovingly remembered and missed enormously. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced," Ritchie added.

Packer's media and gambling empire was Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd., which owns Nine, as well as Melbourne's Crown Casino and is developing casinos in Macau with Asian businessman Stanley Ho.