Sandra Day O'Connor, Former Supreme Court Justice, Passes Away at 93

Sandra Day O'Connor, the pioneering woman who became the first female Supreme Court Justice in the United States, has passed away at the age of 93. The US Supreme Court released a statement announcing that she died in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday morning. Her death was attributed to complications related to dementia and a respiratory illness. Before her historic position on the Supreme Court, O'Connor made significant strides as a state politician. In 1981, then-president Ronald Reagan appointed her to the highest court in America. She served as a justice for over 24 years before retiring in 2006. O'Connor, who leaned towards moderate conservatism, stepped down from her position to care for her husband, John Jay O'Connor, who was battling Alzheimer's disease. President George W. Bush appointed Justice Samuel Alito to replace her. Chief US Supreme Court Justice John Roberts paid tribute to O'Connor in a statement, referring to her as a "daughter of the American Southwest" who blazed a historic trail as the country's first female justice. Roberts praised her determination, ability, and candor, highlighting her unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and her passionate advocacy for civics education. Justice O'Connor is survived by three sons and six grandchildren. Her husband passed away in 2009.