The U.S. Marshals Service has confirmed the death of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, according to the Associated Press. He was 79.
Early reports indicate that Scalia died of natural causes while on a hunting trip in Texas. An employee of the ranch discovered his body when he did not join fellow guests for breakfast Saturday morning.
Known for his fiery brand of conservatism and strict adherence to a traditional interpretation of the Constitution, Scalia provided infamously scathing descents in landmark liberal decision such as last session's Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized gay marriage nationwide.
Despite their ideological differences, Scalia was close friend with fellow Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
He was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.
While some Republicans have postured that President Obama should not fill the vacancy and that the GOP-held Senate will block any confirmations, sitting presidents do traditionally nominate candidates successfully to the highest court even during election years.
If Obama fills the vacancy, it would be his third appointment to the Supreme Court.