New York (CNN Business) Bernard Ebbers, the former CEO of WorldCom, who went to prison in 2006 for his role in an $11 billion accounting fraud case, has died.

His death Sunday was confirmed by a statement from his daughter Joy Ebbers Bourne. It was released through his attorney, Graham Carner. Ebbers had been granted an early release from prison due to poor health in December after serving just over 13 years of a 25-year sentence. He was 78 years old.

Ebbers was found guilty in 2005 of conspiracy, securities fraud and filing false statements in the case that brought down what was then the nation's No. 2 long-distance provider. The company eventually went bankrupt, leading to substantial losses for shareholders. Thousands of WorldCom employees lost their jobs and savings. At the time, the bankruptcy was the largest in US history.

In her statement, Ebbers' daughter said that her father died surrounded by family members. She thanked Valerie Caproni, the federal judge who granted his release, as well as his attorney.

"I know many of the victims of WorldCom opposed Dad's release. Many also wrote in support of release," his daughter said in her statement. "Many stockholders and employees lost their investments in the fall of WorldCom. Many of our friends -- and many in our family -- did too. Thankfully, Judge Caproni agreed with us -- keeping Dad in prison, especially in his unexplained and undiagnosed deteriorated condition, would not bring back anyone's investments. My family and I continue to pray for everyone affected by the fall of WorldCom."

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