Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a Republican appointee who retired from the high court in 2009 after voting consistently with its liberal wing, has died, the Supreme Court announced on Friday.

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a low-key New England Republican who was an unexpectedly liberal voice in his 18 years on the nation’s top court, died at his home on Thursday, the Supreme Court announced. He was 85.

Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican who became a darling of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died. He was 85. Souter died Thursday at his home in New Hampshire,