SARAJEVO, Oct 19: Alija Izetbegovic, 78, hero of Muslim resistance during the siege of Sarajevo, former Bosnian president, who steered Bosnia through independence and the worst bloodshed in Europe since World War II after the breakup of former communist Yugoslavia, died on Sunday.

Mr Izetbegovic, born on Aug 8, 1925 in northeastern town of Bosnanski Samac, is survived by his wife, Halida, and three children — Sabina, mathematician daughter Lejla and architect son Bakir.

He died Sunday afternoon in the Sarajevo central hospital, where he had been hospitalised since September 10, his medical team confirmed.

Mr Izetbegovic, according to the report, died from severe heart dysfunction and general weakness.

His cardiologist, Amila Arslanagic, said Mr Izetbegovic’s death stemmed from injuries he received on 10 September when he fell at his residence and fractured four ribs, which further caused heavy bleeding in his chest and severe heart problems.

Earlier this week, according to his medical team, Mr Izetbegovic’s kidneys stopped functioning, further aggravating heart function.

Mr Izetbegovic, who had already suffered two heart attacks in the last 10 years, remained, according to his medical team, conscious until his last seconds.

He withdrew from the political life two years ago.—Agencies