Jan. 2, 2014 - Jerusalem, Israel - Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, comatose since a 2006 stroke, slipped closer to death on Thursday with his "vital organs" failing and a sharp decline in his condition, according to hospital officials. PICTURED: Oct. 1973 - Gen. ARIEL SHARON of Israel. (Credit Image: © Keystone Pictures USA/ZUMAPRESS.com)