TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) — The state of New Jersey mourns the loss of Sheila Oliver, the Lieutenant Governor, who passed away at the age of 71, as announced by her family and Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday.
Oliver’s untimely death occurred while she was temporarily serving as acting governor while Gov. Murphy was away on a family vacation in Italy. On Monday, she was rushed to a hospital due to an undisclosed medical issue, leaving the nation in shock and grief.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sheila Oliver etched her name in the annals of New Jersey’s history. As the first Black woman to be Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly and only the second Black woman to lead any state legislature, she was a trailblazer and an inspiration to many.
Governor Phil Murphy, who had chosen Oliver as his running mate in 2017, expressed profound sadness at her passing. “Lt. Gov. Oliver was already a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Her decades of public service made her the ideal partner for me to lead the State of New Jersey. It was the best decision I ever made,” said Gov. Murphy.
The Oliver family released a statement mourning the loss of not just a distinguished public servant but also a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero. They emphasized her dedication to the people of New Jersey and her tireless efforts to uplift the community.
Colleagues and friends have also come forward to remember Oliver’s incredible contributions to public service and her compassionate nature. Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald recalled her as a “compassionate and accomplished legislator,” while Attorney General Matt Platkin praised her brilliance and fearlessness.
Tina Jordan, a relative of Oliver, shared her fond memories of the Lieutenant Governor, describing her as down-to-earth and an inspiration to young Black women. She spoke of Oliver’s love for family and her positive impact on everyone she encountered.
As the news of Sheila Oliver’s passing spreads, condolences pour in from all corners of New Jersey and beyond. Gov. Murphy, who is cutting short his vacation in response to the tragic news, is expected to return to the state to mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and pay tribute to her legacy of service, dedication, and inspiration.
The passing of Sheila Oliver leaves a void in the hearts of many, but her indomitable spirit and commitment to the betterment of society will forever serve as a guiding light for those who follow in her footsteps. May she rest in peace.