RONALD REAGAN: 1911-2004: REAGONE; Star of Bedtime for Bonzo, Leader of the Free World, Alzheimer's Victim. the President Is Dead

Byline: CHRIS McLAUGHLIN Political Editor

FORMER American President Ronald Reagan died yesterday at the age of 93 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

The former Hollywood B-movie star, who dedicated his presidency to winning the Cold War, died at his California home with his wife Nancy and family at his bedside.

Fears over his health had been growing since he broke a hip in a fall in 2001. By late 2003, Reagan, a victim of Alzheimer's Disease was unable to speak coherently and had lost most motor skills.

President George W. Bush, in France for today's D-Day commemorations described Reagan's death as a sad day for America. And a Downing Street statement said: "President Reagan will be remembered as a good friend of Britain."

Baroness Thatcher last night hailed Reagan, America's 40th President, as "a truly great American hero". She added: "He will be missed not only by those who knew him and not only by the nation that he served so proudly …

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Publication information: Article title: RONALD REAGAN: 1911-2004: REAGONE; Star of Bedtime for Bonzo, Leader of the Free World, Alzheimer's Victim. the President Is Dead. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: Sunday Mirror (London, England). Publication date: June 6, 2004. Page number: 10. © 2009 MGN LTD. COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group.

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