OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Laurie Smith Camp, a longtime Nebraska attorney who became the first woman to serve on the state’s federal district court, died unexpectedly overnight at age 66.
John M. Gerrard, the chief judge of Nebraska’s federal district court, said Thursday that Smith Camp died peacefully at her home.
The cause of her death wasn’t disclosed.
Smith Camp was appointed to the court by President George W. Bush in 2001 and was confirmed unanimously by the Senate.
She assumed senior judge status in 2018, meaning she was semi-retired but continued to carry an active caseload.
Gerrard says she was an outstanding judge, a gracious mentor and a friend. She is survived by two children.
Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement on Smith Camp's passing:
“Susanne and I are shocked and saddened that Judge Smith Camp has unexpectedly passed away. Before becoming a federal judge, she was a highly-respected attorney in both private practice and public service. Outside of her legal career, she was a friend to the arts and a deeply-involved member of the community. We celebrate her work and will long remember her contributions to the Good Life.”
