Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has died.
Scalia, who was considered to be one of the most conservative justices, was appointed to the court in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan.
Scalia apparently died in his sleep after quail hunting Saturday on a West Texas ranch.
Conservative thought leaders expressed their grief at the loss of one of their own Saturday afternoon.
"He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues," said Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. 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.''
Devastating lose of Justice Scalia. A legal giant who steered the Supreme Court onto the Constitution. God Bless him.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 13, 2016
He was the longest serving justice on the Supreme Court.
"Laura and I mourn the death of a brilliant jurist and important American, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia," said former President George W. Bush. "He was a towering figure and important judge on our Nation's highest court. He brought intellect, good judgment, and wit to the bench, and he will be missed by his colleagues and our country.''
Justice Scalia was an American hero. We owe it to him, & the Nation, for the Senate to ensure that the next President names his replacement.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 13, 2016
Statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia: pic.twitter.com/xazj9dDd5c
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 14, 2016
Scalia was born in New Jersey, but moved to Elmhurst, Queens when he was 6 years old.
He attended Xavier High School in Manhattan.
Scalia was 79 years old.