Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Dies SUDDENLY Just Months Before Retirement

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Max Baer died suddenly in his home near Pittsburgh.

He was 74-years-old, and only a few short months away from retiring at the end of the year.

State Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd has taken over as chief justice due to her seniority on the court.

She called the passing of Justice Baer: “a tremendous loss for the Court and all of Pennsylvania.”

Baer was originally elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2003.

He only became chief justice in 2021, following a lengthy law career.

His cause of death has not been announced.

JUST IN: The 74-year-old Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Max Baer, has died suddenly at his home near Pittsburgh.https://t.co/xWmNnNGv3V

— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) October 1, 2022

CBS reported on his tragic passing:

The Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Max Baer, has died.

According to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, he died suddenly at his home near Pittsburgh.

“This is a tremendous loss for the Court and all of Pennsylvania,” said now Chief Justice Debra Todd, who is the longest serving justice on the court.

Inbox: The Pennsylvania State Supreme Court confirms Chief Justice Max Baer's passing. Debra Todd will become the next chief justice, and the first woman to hold the position. pic.twitter.com/91rxCUhW42

— Stephen Caruso (@StephenJ_Caruso) October 1, 2022

Max Baer, the chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, has died only months before he was set to retire, the court confirmed Saturday. https://t.co/9f0Sm4VIAZ

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 1, 2022

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Max Baer dead at 74 https://t.co/GuWqrJLqYK

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 1, 2022

Fox News provided more on the career of Chief Justice Baer:

Baer was first elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2003 and was sworn in as chief justice in 2021 after a lengthy career in law, according to local news outlet Post Gazette.

The justice was set to retire at the end of the year at the age of 75, which is the court’s mandatory age retirement.

The Pittsburgh native reportedly graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971 before obtaining his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1975.

Many sent their thoughts and prayers to Chief Justice Max Baer’s family:

Chief Justice Max Baer spent his entire career and life serving others across Allegheny County and later on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His impact will ripple across our communities for generations to come.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. https://t.co/TmjlX9mb3q

— Austin Davis (@AustinDavisPA) October 1, 2022

I'm saddened to learn that Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Max Baer has passed away.

He was a respected and esteemed jurist with decades of service to our courts and our commonwealth.

I am grateful for his contributions and leadership in the Supreme Court.

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) October 1, 2022

The Chief Justice of the @SupremeCtofPA, Max Baer, has passed away at the age of 74. @GovernorTomWolf has sent his condolences but has not decided whether he will appoint a new justice or leave the decision to the next governor. @CBS21NEWS pic.twitter.com/ojIQVZAGQ7

— Michael Gorsegner (@MikeGorsegner) October 2, 2022

It is with profound sadness that the entire Duquesne University community mourns the loss of Chief Justice Max Baer, our prominent @DuqKlineLaw alumnus from the Class of 1975. President Ken Gormley offers an appreciation for Baer's life and public service. https://t.co/czWfxW9kD9

— Duquesne University (@duqedu) October 1, 2022

Justice Max Baer was a legal giant, a truly kind man and a dedicated public servant to our Commonwealth.

His impact will be felt for generations. He’s left an indelible mark on the Supreme Court. May Max Baer’s memory be a blessing.

— Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) October 1, 2022

I am deeply saddened to learn that my friend of many decades, PA Chief Justice Max Baer, passed away last night. I knew Max as an attorney in Mt Lebanon before he ran for the Court of Common Pleas. A compassionate and warm person, he will be deeply missed. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/yQAvEQ9VgF

— Jon Delano (@JonDelano) October 1, 2022