Family: 'Great Train Robber' Ronnie Biggs dies at 84; lived high life in Rio after escape

LONDON – The daughter-in-law of Ronnie Biggs said the man known for his role in the 1963 Great Train Robbery has died at 84.

Veronica Biggs said Biggs died early Wednesday morning. She did not provide details of the cause of death.

He had been released from prison four years ago on compassionate ground because of ill health and had suffered several strokes.

Biggs was famous for taking part in the 1963 robbery and then escaping from Wandsworth Prison to Brazil, where he lived for many years.

He was free for 35 years before voluntarily returning to England in poor health in 2001. He was immediately arrested and imprisoned.