Medical examiner says Justice Crooks died of natural causes

Just hours after he appeared at an administrative hearing Monday, officials with the Wisconsin Supreme Court announced that Justice N. Patrick Crooks had died.

Just last week, Crooks, who was considered to be a more independent vote on the often divided court, had announced he would not seek another term on the state’s high court. His current term ends in July of 2016.

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“For nearly two decades, Justice Crooks demonstrated his commitment to the citizens of Wisconsin through his service on the state Supreme Court”, Gov. Walker said.

Justice Shirley Abrahamson draped the vacant seat with the robes of her colleague, who died in his chambers Monday at the age of 77.

Gov. Scott Walker ordered flags flown at half-staff in his memory.

“Justice Crooks was an outstanding jurist, a thoughtful decision-maker and a colleague with a wonderful Irish sense of humor”, Roggensack said in her statement.

Crooks was elected to his first 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1996, and he was re-elected in 2006 without opposition.

Crooks had a private practice for 11 years before Democratic Governor Martin J. Schreiber appointed him a Brown County circuit judge. He kept a low profile, steering clear of the nasty bickering between the conservative- and liberal-leaning factions that culminated in 2011 when conservative-leaning Justice David Prosser wrapped his hands around Bradley’s throat during an argument.

Three people had already announced plans to run: Court of Appeals judges Rebecca Bradley and JoAnne Kloppenburg, and Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Joseph Donald. The primary is February 16.

While Walker has the option of leaving the seat open, he could also appoint someone before the April 5 election.

Donald said he was devastated by the news of Crooks’ death. Kloppenburg said in a statement she was “shocked and saddened”. Bradley’s campaign didn’t immediately return email and voicemail messages.