New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who made history as the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the state's Assembly, has tragically passed away at the age of 71. The news of her death has deeply affected New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who is currently on vacation in Italy. Murphy had plans to return on August 13th, but due to Oliver's passing, he is now making arrangements to come back earlier. Oliver's cause of death has not been disclosed at this time.

Lt. Gov. Oliver was admitted to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, on Monday. Initially, her spokesperson, Mahen Gunaratna, stated that she was receiving medical care, but no further details were provided. During her hospitalization, fellow Democrat and state Senate President Nicholas Scutari assumed the role of acting governor.

In a statement expressing his grief, Gov. Murphy referred to Oliver as a "dear friend, colleague, and partner in government." He praised her as a trailblazer who had already made history as the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly. Murphy emphasized that selecting Oliver as his lieutenant governor was the best decision he ever made, highlighting her decades of public service and commitment to the people of New Jersey.

The Oliver family released a statement honoring Sheila Oliver as a dedicated public servant and a source of inspiration. They described her as their cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero. Oliver's legacy will be remembered for her unwavering dedication and efforts to uplift the community.

In addition to her role as lieutenant governor, Oliver had been serving as the head of the Department of Community Affairs in New Jersey. She was responsible for coordinating state aid to towns and cities and overseeing code enforcement. Prior to her appointment as lieutenant governor, Oliver had a long-standing career in politics. She joined the Assembly in 2004 and served on the Essex County board of chosen freeholders from 1996 to 1999.

Oliver's passing comes as a shock to many, as she had been privately struggling with ongoing health issues. Her death leaves a significant void in New Jersey's political landscape and marks the loss of a trailblazing leader who had shattered glass ceilings throughout her career.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.