New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver has died at age 71.
Oliver was serving as acting governor with Gov. Phil Murphy out of state, when she was hospitalized on Monday at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Sen. Pres. Steve Scutari stepped up to fill Oliver’s position on Monday while she was receiving medical care for undisclosed health issues.
Oliver was New Jersey’s first Black lieutenant governor.
“She was not only a distinguished public servant but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero,” the Oliver family said in a written statement. “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.”
Her family said they “will remember her commitment to the people of New Jersey and her tireless efforts to uplift the community.”