Mourning Hugo Chávez: 12 images of the Venezuelan president's absolutely devastated supporters

Millions of Chavistas heartbreakingly demonstrate what it's like to feel the pain of immense loss

Devastated.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins)

Americans may not know how to feel about the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who liked to use the U.S. as a rhetorical punching bag. But for millions in Chavez's home country and throughout Latin America, the passing of the socialist leader is tantamount to losing a loved one. Scroll down to see how deeply devotees of the flamboyant leader are feeling the "immense pain of this historic tragedy."

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Lauren Hansen produces The Week’s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.