Gen. Augusto Pinochet — who ruled Chile with an iron fist after overthrowing the country's democratically elected Marxist president — has died. He was 91.

Pinochet died of heart complications after he was rushed back to an intensive care unit, officials at the Santiago Military hospital said. He was admitted to the hospital a week ago after suffering an acute heart attack.

He was surrounded by some family members when he died, said Dr. Juan Ignacio Vergara, spokesman for the medical team treating the former dictator.

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BRUTAL RULER

Pinochet carried out a bloody coup against socialist President Salvador Allende on Sept. 11, 1973.

Pinochet was indicted on human rights violations and put under house arrest last week for the execution of two Allende bodyguards in 1973. A court was scheduled to rule Monday on his appeal.

It was the fifth such action against Pinochet, who was also under another indictment in a separate human rights cases.

According to an official report prepared by an independent commission appointed by the first civilian government after Pinochet's rule, 3,197 people were killed for political reasons during his regime and more than 1,000 of them were never found.

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PINOCHET'S SUPPORTERS

Staunch supporters have continued to express loyalty, insisting Pinochet saved Chile from communism. When he was hospitalized, some 10 supporters spent the entire night in front of the hospital, some praying.

When news of the heart attack last week spread, some 50 supporters gathered in front of the hospital, some carrying portraits of the former ruler.

"He's like a father to me, and we all owe him so much," said Julieta Aguilar, who held a small bronze bust of Pinochet.

Upon word of his death, a small group of supporters repeatedly chanted his name and the country's national anthem.

Several women cried openly.

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