Turkmen TV station reported "President Saparmurat Niyazov's sudden death". Lifetime President Niyazov, 66, has ruled Turkmenistan since 1985. He was also known as the Turkmenbashi or the Father of all Turkmens. Niyazov was the founder and president of the Turkmen World Association.

The Western community regarded Niyazov's regime as one of the authoritarian and repressive throughout the world. The Turkmenbashi was known as an erratic leader prone to paradoxical statements and deeds.