World | Miguel de la Madrid Former Mexico Prez Dead at 77 Miguel de la Madrid led country through economic crises, earthquake of '80s By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Apr 1, 2012 11:09 AM CDT Copied In this Oct. 30, 2001 file photo, former Mexican President Miguel de la Madrid. President Felipe Calderon announced on twitter that de la Madrid has died at age 77. (AP Photo/Tomas van Houtyve, File) President Felipe Calderon says on his Twitter account that former President Miguel de la Madrid has died at age 77. A spokeswoman for Calderon's office speaking on condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to speak to the press confirmed today that the message was posted by Calderon. Calderon says he is "profoundly sorry for the death of ex-President De la Madrid." The cause of death has not been announced, but the former president has been hospitalized for respiratory problems since late last year. De la Madrid led Mexico from 1982 to 1988 as the country experienced economic crises and endured an earthquake that devastated the capital. Read These Next In this murder, arresting the boyfriend was a big mistake. After Kennedy Center name change, holiday jazz concert is canceled. Sammy Davis Jr.'s ex, Swedish actor May Britt, is dead at 91. Online sleuths expose Epstein file redactions. Report an error