Hugo Chavez was born on 28 July 1954 in Sabaneta, Barinas state, the son of schoolteachers.

BBC: Hugo Chavez death: Thousands march with coffin

Diego Perez Henao, better known by his alias "Diego Rastrojo, " was arrested Sunday morning in the western state of Barinas, Venezuelan state news reported.

CNN: Venezuela arrests alleged Colombian drug kingpin

One beneficiary was Colonel Chavez's own father, who was running for the governorship of the south-western state of Barinas.

ECONOMIST: The colonel rides on

Earlier in April, Chavez spoke at a Mass in his home state of Barinas, tearing up at times as he discussed his struggle with illness.

CNN: Venezuela's Chavez returns home

Speaking at a Mass in his home state of Barinas on Thursday night, he teared up at times as he discussed his struggle with illness.

CNN: Venezuela's Chavez returns to Cuba for cancer treatment