Sandra Day O'Connor: Retired US Supreme Court justice dies

Retired US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has died at 93, the nation's highest judicial body announced on Friday. 

O'Connor died in Arizona due to complications related to advanced dementia and respiratory disease, the Supreme Court said in a statement.   

O'Connor was nominated by Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and was the first woman in US history to serve on the country's highest court. 

Known for her moderate conservative views, she served on the bench until her retirement in 2006. 

'A true public servant'

Having spent her childhood on a ranch in Arizona, O'Connor was known for pragmatism and seeking consensus as a judge.   

"Sandra Day O'Connor blazed a historic trail as our nation's first female justice," Chief Justice John Roberts said. "She met that challenge with undaunted determination, indisputable ability, and engaging candor."

"We celebrate her enduring legacy as a true public servant and patriot."

Former US President Barack Obama hailed O'Connor for "forging a new path and building a bridge behind her for all young women to follow."

Republican US Senator Susan Collins labeled her as a "trailblazer and a role model for girls and women," who "exemplified excellence in public service."

Former House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that, "beyond shattering a glass ceiling, her service on the bench reflected our nation's highest ideals: courage, integrity, patriotism and justice."

Supreme Court's swing vote

Although she was conservative by nature, O'Connor became the court's ideological center, frequently emerging as a crucial swing vote.

She controlled decisions on the most contentious issues of her era, including helping preserve a woman’s right to abortion and upholding affirmative action on college campuses.

O'Connor described her tenure as similar to walking on wet cement "because every opinion you offer, you've left a footprint."

mm, wd/nm (Reuters, AP)