Karma Choephel, 67, former speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile has passed away after a prolonged illness. Choephel was born in Tradun, Central Tibet and has served the exile Tibetan community over a long span of years as a teacher, activist and a member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile and was one of the most well-known Tibetan politicians. Choephel is survived by his wife and four children.