Paul Allen, Microsoft Co-Founder, Dies After Cancer Battle

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen died after a battle with cancer, according to CNBC. Allen, who was 65, died of complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Allen was a prolific entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009, was treated with chemotherapy and went into remission. Allen announced in early October that the disease had returned, but said he was "optimistic," given the advances in medicine.

Allen's company, Vulcan Inc., released a statement on behalf of his family, saying Allen died Monday afternoon in Seattle.

"My brother was a remarkable individual on every level," Allen's sister, Jody Allen, said in a statement. "While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.

"Paul's family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern," she continued. "For all the demands on his schedule, there was always time for family and friends. At this time of loss and grief for us—and so many others—we are profoundly grateful for the care and concern he demonstrated every day."

Vulcan CEO Bill Hilf also released a statement, praising Allen's "remarkable intellect" and "passion to solve some of the world's most difficult problems."

"Today we mourn our boss, mentor and friend, whose 65 years were too short," Hilf said, "and acknowledge the honor it has been to work alongside someone whose life transformed the world."

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella remembered Allen as "indispensable" to both the company and his community.

"I have learned so much from him," Nadella said in a statement. "His inquisitiveness, curiosity and push for high standards is something that will continue to inspire me and all of us at Microsoft. Our hearts are with Paul's family and loved ones. Rest in peace."

Paul Allen Dies Cancer
Paul Allen, chairman of Charter Communication and co-founder of Microsoft, with the Ansari X Prize trophy at a ceremony in St. Louis awarding the $10 million prize to Scaled Composites, LLC, creators of SpaceShipOne, November 6, 2004, in St. Louis. Allen died on Monday at the age of 65 of complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Stephanie S. Cordle/Getty Images

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