January 3, 2021 - San Francisco – On Sunday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the passing of renowned scientist and conservationist Dr. Richard Leakey:

“Today, the world lost a pillar of the paleoanthropological community in Dr. Richard Leakey, who for decades blessed us with groundbreaking discoveries.  Together with his father Dr. Louis S.B. Leakey and his mother, Dr. Mary Leakey, the family pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and forever altered our understanding of human evolution.  He was also a legendary conservationist who led the charge to save the African elephant from extinction and helped preserve Kenya’s natural environment.  And, as Head of Public Service, he helped combat corruption and strengthen government institutions.

“Officially, it was my great privilege to serve on the Board of the Leakey Foundation, which for more than five decades has advanced the bold vision of scientific leadership that Richard shared with his pioneering parents and his accomplished wife, Maeve.  Personally, Richard was a dear friend, and my family had the thrill of seeing this work firsthand when we accompanied Maeve and him on a dig in the Lake Turkana area of Kenya.

“May it be a comfort to Richard’s wife and partner in science Maeve, his three dear daughters Anna, Louise and Samira, and all of his loved ones that so many in America and around the world mourn with them during this sad time.” 
Source: Speaker Nancy Pelosi