Former Bush press secretary dies at 53

Tony Snow, a conservative writer and commentator who cheerfully sparred with reporters in the White House briefing room during a stint as President George W. Bush’s press secretary, died early today of colon cancer. He was 53.

“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow,” Bush said in a statement. “The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.”