California Governor-elect Gavin Newsom’s father, Justice William Newsom, died Wednesday morning at age 84.

William Alfred Newsom III was an avid environmentalist and retired Justice.

A statement has been released from Nathan Click, a spokesperson for the transition of Governor-elect:

“The Newsom family is deeply saddened to announce that the Governor-elect’s father – avid environmentalist and retired Justice William Alfred Newsom III – passed away peacefully this morning at 9:59 A.M. at his home in San Francisco.  Justice Newsom was a proud, lifelong Californian, a public servant of profound accomplishment and a powerful voice for individual rights and environmental protection.”

After the announcement of Justice Newsom’s death, Governor Brown also issued a statement offering his condolences and announced that the Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor.

“Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Newsom family. Bill was a longtime friend, a champion of the environment and someone whom I was proud to appoint to the superior court and court of appeal.”

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