U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Scalia, dies

CONSERVATIVE United States (U.S.) Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia has died, aged 79.

“On behalf of the court and retired justices, I am saddened to report that our colleague Justice Antonin Scalia has passed away,” Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Roberts, said in a statement confirming the death on Saturday evening.

“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.”

Scalia’s death was first reported by the San Antonio News-Express, who said he had apparently died of natural causes while visiting a luxury resort in West Texas.

Appointed to the top U.S. court in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, Scalia was known for his strident conservative views and theatrical flair in the courtroom.