Tony Snow, former White House press secretary, dies at 53

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow - who once told reporters "I'm a very lucky guy" - has died at the age of 53 after a battle with colon cancer.

Snow, who had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for a recurrence of the disease, left his White House job Sept. 14, 2007, and joined CNN in April as a conservative commentator.

Snow said he left the White House position to make more money. His White House salary was $168,000, and he said he had taken out a loan so he could take the job.

His death was confirmed Saturday by his replacement, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino, who said, "The White House is so deeply saddened by this loss."

Snow is survived by his wife, Jill Walker, and three children - Kendall, Robbie and Kristi.