HAVANA, (Reuters) - General Luis Alberto Rodriguez Lopez-Calleja, one of Cuba's most powerful men, died yesterday of a heart attack, state media reported, leaving a critical hole in the political and economic leadership of the communist-run island.

Lopez-Calleja, 62, was a key member of Cuba's political bureau, the ruling Communist Party's highest decision-making body. He was once married to former Cuban leader Raul Castro´s daughter Deborah.

A short article in party newspaper Granma lamented Lopez-Calleja's passing and hailed his "brilliant record of services to the Homeland and the Cuban Revolution".

Lopez-Calleja kept a very low profile, rarely appearing in photos or on television, but his influence, especially over the economy, had increased markedly since President Miguel Diaz-Canel succeeded Castro in 2018.