Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, has passed away at the age of 93. A statement from the court noted that the cause of death was “advanced dementia, probably Alzheimer’s, and a respiratory illness,” and that she passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday.
Appointed to the court by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, O’Connor served almost a quarter-century on the bench, retiring in 2006. Her impact as the first female justice was underscored by Chief Justice John Roberts who said, “A daughter of the American Southwest, Sandra Day O’Connor blazed an historic trail as our Nation’s first female Justice. She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor.”
Chief Justice Roberts continued to acclaim her influence saying, “We at the Supreme Court mourn the loss of a beloved colleague, a fiercely independent defender of the rule of law, and an eloquent advocate for civics education. And we celebrate her enduring legacy as a true public servant and patriot.” As this is breaking news, further updates are expected soon.
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