Tuesday, December 27 2005 12:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Sydney: Australian media mogul Kerry Packer has died in his Sydney home, his Channel Nine television station said today (Dec 27, 2005).

Packer, 68, who was Australia's richest man, died with his family at his bedside, a television announcer said, quoting from a statement released by the family.

"Mrs Kerry Packer and her children James and Gretel sadly report the passing last evening of her husband and their father Kerry," the statement said.

"He died peacefully at home with his family at his bedside."

"He will lovingly remembered and missed enormously. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced."

No reason was given for the death of Packer, who had a history of poor health. He nearly died playing polo in 1990 when he suffered a severe attack during which his heart stopped beating for six or seven minutes.

Packer underwent a kidney transplant in November 2000, receiving an organ donated by his helicopter pilot and in 2003 needed emergency surgery to clear blocked arteries.

He built his empire on the Nine Network Television station and the Australian Consolidated Press magazine publishing business, but in recent years had concentrated his efforts more in the gaming industry.

Packer was also responsible for a revolution in the cricket world in the late 1970s, when he introduced World Series cricket and popularised the one-day version of the game.