MADISON -- Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Patrick Crooks has died in the state Capitol.
Patrick Crooks
Chief Justice Patience Roggensack announced the death of the 77-year-old Crooks on Monday, September 21st. Roggensack said Crooks died in his chambers.
The Dane County Medical Examiner's Office says Crooks' death was natural in manner.
Crooks announced last week that he wouldn't run for a third 10-year term on the high court and instead planned to retire when his current term ended in July.
Gov. Scott Walker has the power to appoint someone to fill Crooks' seat ahead of the election. Walker's spokeswoman said Monday the governor would decide what to do at a more appropriate time.
State officials and others issued statements on the passing of Justice Crooks. They are below.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler
Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D - Kenosha)
State Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R - New Berlin)
Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg
Judge Rebecca Bradley
Judge Joe Donald, candidate for Supreme Court