Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Max Baer dies at 74

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Max Baer died unexpectedly at his home near Pittsburgh at the age of 74, the state court announced.

Elected to the court as a Democrat in 2003, Baer became chief justice in 2021 and was set to retire by the end of this year after turning 75, the court's mandatory retirement age, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Saturday.

The state Supreme Court did not give a cause for Baer's death but said he died suddenly overnight Friday.

Upon Baer's death, Justice Debra Todd assumed the role of chief justice. She will be the state court's first female chief justice. 

"Chief Justice Baer was an influential and intellectual jurist whose unwavering focus was on administering fair and balanced justice. He was a tireless champion for children, devoted to protecting and providing for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens," Todd said in a statement following Baer's death.

His passing was mourned by both Republicans and Democrats throughout the state.