What Happened to Ruth Bader Ginsburg: How Did She Die?

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg died from pancreatic cancer complications on September 18, 2020, at the age of 87. She died on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, and according to Rabbi Richard Jacobs, “One of the themes of Rosh Hashanah suggests that very righteous people would die at the end of the year because they were needed until the very end”. Following the revelation of her death, thousands of people gathered in front of the Supreme Court to drop flowers, light candles, and write messages.

Five days following her death, the eight Supreme Court justices, Ginsburg’s children, and other family members held a private ceremony for her in the Court’s grand hall. Following the private service, Ginsburg’s casket was taken outside to the Court’s west porch so that the public may pay their condolences, but COVID-19 pandemic conditions prevented the normal lying in repose in the great hall.

Over two days, thousands of mourners lined up to go past the casket. Ginsburg laid in state at the Capitol following her two-day rest at the Court. She was the first woman and the first Jew to lie in state there. Ginsburg was buried alongside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery on September 29.

Ginsburg’s death created a vacancy on the Supreme Court approximately six weeks before the 2020 presidential election, sparking debate about the nomination and confirmation of her replacement.

Days before her death, Ginsburg dictated a statement to her granddaughter Clara Spera, which was heard by Ginsburg’s doctor and others in the room: “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s nominee to replace her, was confirmed by the Senate on October 27.