Ex-leader of main opposition party in Puerto Rico dies at 48

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Hector Ferrer, the former president of Puerto Rico's Popular Democratic Party, has died. He was 48.

Gov. Ricardo Rossello declared five days of mourning in a statement Monday in which he called Ferrer a tremendous person and said he considered Ferrer a friend despite being leader of the island's main opposition party.

Ferrer was an attorney and former senator who stepped down as party president last month, citing his battle with cancer of the esophagus. He served as a senator from 2000 to 2012 and was well known for his love and promotion of sports.

Ferrer is survived by his parents, a brother, two sons and a daughter.

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