FILE - New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver speaks during a news conference announcing pollution lawsuits filed by the state, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, in Newark, N.J. Suffering from and undisclosed medical condition, Oliver on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, remained unable to carry out the role of acting governor while Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy is out of the country of vacation. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Lieutenant Governor Hospitalized
(Trenton, NJ) — New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver has passed away after she checked into a Livingston hospital this week with an undisclosed medical issue. Her family announced that the 71-year-old was taken to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. She had been acting as governor while Governor Phil Murphy is in Italy on vacation this week. Democratic Senate President Nicholas Scutari took over as acting governor when she was admitted to the hospital. Her family released the following statement with the news of her death:
“It is with incredible sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey. She was not only a distinguished public servant but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero. 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. Sheila Y. Oliver leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and inspiration. We will remember her commitment to the people of New Jersey and her tireless efforts to uplift the community. Further information and details regarding memorial arrangements will be provided in due course. Until then, we appreciate your understanding and support. May her memory be a source of comfort and strength to all who knew her.”
Governor Murphy released a statement saying his family is shocked and distraught to hear Oliver has passed.
