Acting Governor’s Mysterious Death Occurs Abroad
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver Passes Away While Acting as Governor
In a tragic turn of events, New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who was serving as acting governor while Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy was out of the country, has passed away at the age of 71.
A prominent figure in New Jersey politics, Oliver was entrusted with leading the state while Murphy enjoyed a vacation in Italy.
On Monday evening, CBS News reported that Oliver had been hospitalized due to an undisclosed medical issue.
Shortly after, her family shared a statement on Twitter confirming her sudden death.
Statement from Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s Family. pic.twitter.com/ww2nH7J6F3
— New Jersey (@NJGov) August 1, 2023
Her family described her as a “distinguished public servant” and a beloved member of their family and community.
“As we come to terms with this profound loss, we kindly request that you respect the privacy of the Oliver family during this difficult time as they grieve their beloved Sheila,” the statement read. “Sheila Y. Oliver leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and inspiration.”
Her family concluded:
“We will remember her commitment to the people of New Jersey and her tireless efforts to uplift the community. Further information and details regarding memorial arrangements will be provided in due course. Until then, we appreciate your understanding and support. May her memory be a source of comfort and strength to all who knew her.”
Governor Murphy also released a statement expressing his deep sadness over the loss of his running mate and political confidante.
Tammy and I, and our children, are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner in government, @LtGovOliver.
We ask that you all keep the Oliver family and all those who loved her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ty6drz7DgY
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 1, 2023
“When I selected her to be my running mate in 2017, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was already a trailblazer in every sense of the word,” Murphy said in a statement from Italy.
The governor highlighted Oliver’s historic achievements as the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly and one of only two Black women to lead a state legislature.
Murphy praised Oliver’s decades of public service and called his decision to choose her as his running mate “the best decision I ever made.”
With Oliver’s passing and Murphy’s absence, Democratic state Senate President Nicholas Scutari will temporarily assume the role of acting governor until Murphy returns, according to WABC-TV.
Oliver’s political career began in 2001 when she first ran for a seat in the state Senate, although she was unsuccessful at the time.
In 2003, she was elected as a member of the state’s General Assembly and later made history as the first black woman to serve as speaker.
The post Acting Governor Dies of Undisclosed Cause While Governor Is Out of the Country appeared first on The Western Journal.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
