SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Sunday issued the following statement on the death of former New Mexico Chief Justice Charles Daniels:

“I am truly saddened by the loss of an undisputed leader in the New Mexico legal community. Justice Daniels was an honest and committed jurist, a man of stellar wit and devotion to fairness and equity. As chief justice, he led New Mexico’s highest court with clarity and conviction, leaving a legacy rivaled by few. Not only was he professionally talented, he was incredibly kind, with a warm personality that drew so many people to him, including myself.

“I am incredibly grateful for his many years of service to the people of New Mexico. He made an immeasurable difference in the legal community and his loss will be deeply felt across the state. My thoughts are with his wife, Randi, and their family and friends, who I am keeping in my prayers.”