 On 19 October 2014, Sata left the country for a medical check-up in the United Kingdom, leaving Defence Minister Edgar Lungu in charge in his absence.Sata's absence from public view, given that the 50th anniversary of the country's independence was 4 days away, rumours emerged on the status of Sata's health.He died in London on 28 October at King Edward VII Hospital alongside his wife, Christine, son, Mulenga, and other family members.