Senior U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia found dead at West Texas ranch

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia has died at age 79, in Texas of apparently natural causes. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, was nominated to the court by President Reagan and took his seat Sept. 26, 1986, Scalia was a conservative, and was the longest-serving current justice on the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. said in a statement today: “On behalf of the Court and retired Justices, I am saddened to report that our colleague Justice Antonin Scalia has passed away. He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the Court and the country he so loyally served. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Maureen and his family.”

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia:

“Justice Antonin Scalia was an admired defender of the Constitution. As a jurist he was well-respected for his intellectualism, sharp wit and his commitment to the pursuit of justice. His influence on the high court will be a long lasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Scalia family during this difficult time.”