Former Peruvian president Alan Garcia died in a Lima hospital yesterday, reported the Xinhua news agency.
Xinhua referred to a tweet by President Martin Vizcarra, who said he was “consternated” by Garcia’s death, and sent his condolences to the latter’s family and loved ones.
Garcia, 69, shot himself in the head yesterday following authorities’ order that he be arrested over alleged links to Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht’s corruption scandal.
The matter was confirmed by the ex-president’s lawyer to local media.
Health Minister Zulema Tomas Gonzales earlier said Garcia was in the intensive care unit, in critical condition.
Garcia shot himself in a locked room when police tried to apprehend him at his house, to complete a 10-day preliminary detention.
He served as president from 1985 to 1990, and again from 2006 to 2011.