Vitaly Churkin taken to hospital shortly before death

The Russian ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, had become ill in his office at Russia's UN mission, Russia's deputy UN ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said.

According to him, Churkin was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital where he died, the AP reported.

A Russian Embassy spokesperson told CBS News that they believe Churkin died of a heart attack but they do not yet have official word on the cause of death.