Retired Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harris Hines died in a car crash Sunday, officials said.
Hines, 75, had just retired from the state’s highest court in August, after a long legal career.
He was appointed to the State Court of Cobb County in 1974 by then-Gov. Jimmy Carter, and then to the Supreme Court in 1995 by then-Gov. Zell Miller.
“I am blessed I was able to practice law before him, and to call him my mentor and friend,” Morgan wrote. “God bless his family and give them peace.”
Cobb County Solicitor General Barry Morgan confirmed the news about Hines’ death in a Facebook post.
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Details about the crash have not been released.
Hines was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital after the crash. Family members were informed Sunday about 4:30 p.m.
“Harris Hines was a really, really good guy,” Marietta author Mike King said. “He was kind and gentle and always has a smile to share, and a story to tell. As a jurist, he was vigilant about protecting the public’s right to know. I count him as one of the real friends in Marietta who made it a pleasure to live there.”
"He will truly be missed. I extend my sympathies to his wife and hope she will have a very swift recovery. and also to his family," Governor Nathan Deal told Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach Monday morning.
The governor also released a statement saying he was shocked and saddened and called Hines a true public servant.
AJC staff writer Jennifer Brett contributed to this report.