Veteran republican Martin Meehan has died suddenly aged 62.
In recent years he had been a Sinn Fein candidate in elections in South Antrim and was a strong supporter of the Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness leadership.
Mr Meehan had a history of family involvement in Irish republicanism, although his grandfather Cornelius Clarke was killed as a member of the Enniskillen Fusiliers in the Battle of the Somme.
He joined the IRA in 1966 and sided with the Provisional IRA faction when it split four years later. In the weeks that followed the introduction of internment without trial in Northern Ireland, Mr Meehan was reputed to be the most wanted IRA man in Belfast.
He was eventually detained in Crumlin Road Jail in 1971. He escaped with two IRA colleagues in 1971 by hiding in a manhole for six and a half hours. As they waited to scale a prison wall, the escapees covered themselves in butter to keep themselves warm.
Mr Meehan fled to Dundalk and was arrested south of the border in 1972 with seven colleagues after a major four-hour gun battle over the border with a British army platoon. He returned to Northern Ireland and spent three years in prison.
He played an active role in Sinn Fein and was a councillor in Antrim. He famously declared victory on television in the 2003 Assembly Election count in South Antrim at the expense of the Alliance Party's David Ford - only to lose out on a seat to Mr Ford by 181 votes in the final count.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams expressed deep shock and sadness at Mr Meehan's death.
As the party's national executive passed on their condolences to the Meehan family, the West Belfast MP described him as an exemplary republican.
"Martin Meehan was a lifelong republican who dedicated his life to the struggle for Irish freedom," Mr Adams said.
Sinn Fein's junior minister in the Stormont Executive Gerry Kelly described Mr Meehan was a republican legend.
"Republicans everywhere will be saddened by this shocking news," the North Belfast MLA said. "Martin was a republican legend, particularly in Belfast. He will be sadly missed by all of his comrades in Belfast and beyond.
"On their behalf I extend heartfelt condolences to Briege and the Meehan family."
PA