Sheila abdus salaam a trailblazing judge found dead in hudson river

Sheila Abdus-Salaam was a trailblazing judge who made history as the first African American woman to serve on the New York State Court of Appeals. She was found dead in the Hudson River on April 12, 2017, at the age of 65.

Abdus-Salaam was born in 1952 in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Harlem, New York. She earned her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her law degree from Columbia Law School. After graduating from law school, she worked as a lawyer in private practice and later as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

In 1991, Abdus-Salaam was appointed to the New York State Supreme Court by Governor Mario Cuomo, and in 2013, she was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Governor Andrew Cuomo. During her time on the Court of Appeals, she was known for her thoughtful and nuanced opinions, and was particularly respected for her work on issues related to criminal justice and women's rights.

Abdus-Salaam's death was met with widespread shock and sadness, with many tributes pouring in from across the legal community and beyond. She was remembered as a trailblazer and a champion of justice, and her legacy continues to inspire and motivate others to pursue careers in law and public service.

The circumstances of Abdus-Salaam's death were initially unclear, but an investigation by the New York City Police Department and the New York State Police found that she had likely jumped from a bridge in Harlem and drowned in the Hudson River. The investigation was unable to determine a clear motive for her death, and it remains a mystery.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her death, Sheila Abdus-Salaam's life and legacy continue to be celebrated and honored. She will always be remembered as a pioneering figure in the legal profession, and her contributions to the advancement of justice and equality will never be forgotten.