The founder and former chairman of Fox News, Roger Ailes, died on Thursday. He was 77. The cause of his death was not immediately known.

Ailes had to resign from Fox News in 2016 over allegations that he had sexually harassed women. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth and son Zachary. Often called the most powerful man in media, Ailes was credited with having built Fox news into a ratings-driven news channel, thereby having a profound impact on American politics and consciousness.

“I am profoundly sad and heartbroken to report that my husband, Roger Ailes, passed away this morning,” Elizabeth said in a statement. “Roger was a loving husband to me, to his son Zachary, and a loyal friend to many. He was also a patriot, profoundly grateful to live in a country that gave him so much opportunity to work hard, to rise – and to give back.”

His death was also reported by Fox News.