Andrew Breitbart, the conservative Internet publisher and blogger, died early this morning at age 43. Breitbart was walking near his house in California's Brentwood neighborhood shortly after midnight when he collapsed, his father-in-law the actor Orson Bean told the Associated Press. Someone who saw Breitbart fall called paramedics and revival attempts were made, the AP reports. He was taken to the emergency room at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in L.A. I don't know what to say. It's devastating," Bean told the AP. Breitbart had apparently suffered heart problems a year ago, but Bean did not know what had happened. Those who worked closely with Breitbart are commenting about the loss of their Dana Loesch is the editor-in-chief of Big Journalism and a contributor for CNN who was mentored by Breitbart. Andrew Breitbart was my employer, a dear friend, and my mentor. He was the voice of the new conservative movement, the fiercest defender of the tea party, and an amazing extemporaneous speaker," Loesch wrote in a statement. There exist people who disagreed with him, even disliked him, but they couldn't dislike him when they got to know Andrew. To know him is to like him, which is why his friends weren't limited to just one ideology. Joel Pollak, the editor-in-chief of Breibart.com, described his friend and boss as "an extemely kind man and a great friend." Andrew would stand up for anybody - left or right. He had friends on both sides. As long as they were willing to play by the same rules, state their biases and respect diversity of opinion," Pollak told ABC News. He really believed passionately in fairness, and what really made him special was his willingness to fight for it. Conservative leaders are also expressing the loss of Breitbart in the community. After giving a speech in Dalton, Ga. this morning, Rick Santorum was asked about Breitbart's death, which had been announced during his speech. Obviously prayers go to him and his family and it's a big shock. What a powerful voice," Santorum said. What a huge loss, in my opinion, for our country and certainly for the conservative movement and the prayers go out to my family. Citizens United President David N. Bossie, issued a statement on Breitbart's passing "with a heavy heart," in which he said, "Andrew was a trailblazer and icon when it came to internet based media. He was truly a one of a kind transformational figure and warrior in the conservative movement and he will be sorely missed.