Son of former Israeli PM Sharon confirms his death Gilad Sharon, son of Ariel Sharon, speaks to the media at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer near Tel Aviv, Israel, after the hospital reported Sharon's death, on Jan. 11, 2014. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon died at a hospital near Tel Aviv at the age of 85, a spokesperson for the hospital told Xinhua Saturday. TEL AVIV, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The son of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon confirmed on Saturday his father died at age 85 in a hospital in central Israel, after eight years in a coma. "He left when he decided to leave," Gilad Sharon told reporters at the Sheba Medical Center, where Sharon fought for his life in the past week. Gilad Sharon thanked the doctors and medical staff which took care of his father throughout the years and "those who prayed for his wellbeing in Israel and throughout the world." Sharon suffered a stroke in 2006 and slipped into a coma. His condition deteriorated last week after suffering a kidney failure and the systems in body began to shut down, up until his death on Saturday noon. Israeli hospital says Sharon's health deteriorating JERUSALEM, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The health condition of former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon is continuing to deteriorate and only "a miracle" would stop the decline, the hospital where he is being treated said on Monday.Full Story Ex-Israeli PM's condition continues to worsen JERUSALEM, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The condition of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who has been in a coma for eight years and is critically ill lately, has further worsened, a hospital spokesperson confirmed to Xinhua Thursday.Full Story Hospital reports further decline in condition of former Israeli PM Sharon JERUSALEM, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's health condition has deteriorated with blood infection affecting his vital organs, said the hospital where he is hospitalized on Friday. "Test results indicate a slow and gradual deterioration in Mr. Sharon's condition," head of Sheba Medical Center, Prof. Ze'ev Rotstein, said at a press conference. Former Israeli PM Sharon's health deteriorates: report Former Israeli PM Sharon remains in critical condition Hospital says former Israeli PM Ariel Sharon's health worsens Israeli hospital: Former PM Sharon's condition worsens Ex-Israeli PM's condition has further worsened