Date of Death
Justice Antonin Scalia died on February 13, 2016. He passed away at a private ranch in Shafter, Texas, at the age of 79.
Cause of Death
The official cause of death was a heart attack, as reported by the Presidio County Sheriff's Office. Scalia had a history of heart issues and high blood pressure.
Timeline and Context
Scalia was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan. He served for nearly 30 years and was known as a leading conservative voice on the bench. His death created a major vacancy during a presidential election year.
Legacy and Impact
His death led to a prolonged Senate battle over the confirmation of his replacement. The seat remained vacant until President Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch in 2017. For more background on his career, see the Supreme Court official biography page.
