Hugo Chavez Near Death?

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is near death according to the Venezualean VP.

Rumors of Hugo Chavez near death have swirled for months since the South American leader underwent treatment for cancer, but have often been deflected by sources in the Venezeulan government and Chavez himself.

But Chavez has not made public statements since December, and now Vice President Nicolas Maduro is stoking the flames. Maduro appeared on state TV saying Chavez "is battling there for his health, for his life, and we're accompanying him."

Chavez has had cancer since at least June 2011, and has undergone surgeries and chemotherapy in the months since.