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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Found Dead in Texas

United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead Saturday at a ranch in West Texas.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Scalia was staying at a luxury ranch south of Marfa. He was scheduled to appear at a breakfast Saturday, but did not show up. His body was found in his room.

The 79-year-old died of natural causes.

In a statement, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott praised Scalia’s career on the Supreme Court.

"Justice Antonin Scalia was a man of God, a patriot, and an unwavering defender of the written Constitution and the Rule of Law. He was the solid rock who turned away so many attempts to depart from and distort the Constitution," Abbott said. "Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers."

Two weeks ago, Justice Antonin Scalia was on a low key visit to Dallas. In 2013, he made several appearances at Southern Methodist University.

During some free time during his visit in Dallas, Scalia stopped by Lovers Lane Barbers, catching barber Ivan Havins by surprise and giving him a memory he'll never forget.

Scalia was the longest-serving current Justice on the Supreme Court. He was appointed in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan.

Known for his blunt, and sometimes controversial opinoins, Scalia was one of the courts most conservative voices. He was a fervent opponent of affirmative action in hiring and school admissions.

He also criticized the court's decision in Roe versus Wade. Scalia wrote the majority opinion in the court's most important gun-rights case saying the 2nd Amendment gauranteed an individual's right to own a firearm.

Reaction from current and former Texas lawmakers poured in Saturday. President George W. Bush said Saclia "was a towering figure and important judge on our Nation's highest court. He brought intellect, good judgment, and wit to the bench, and he will be missed by his colleagues and our country. Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his wife, Maureen, their nine children, and the entire Scalia family."

Former senator Kay Bailey Hutchison posted on Twitter, "Justice Antonin Scalia will be remembered as one of the smartest, funniest justices ever on the US Supreme Court. He will be missed. RIP."

Scalia is survivied by his wife, Maureen, and nine children.

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