ISRAEL- After spending eight years in a coma, former Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, has succumb to the cold hand of death  at the age of 85.

The news came from the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although no immediate confirmation has been made from Sheba hospital where he was being treated.

Sharon has been in a coma since January 4, 2006 after suffering a massive stroke. His condition took a sudden turn for the worse on January 1 when he suffered serious kidney problems after surgery.