A prominent and respected legal and political leader in the Central American nation of Honduras passed away this week.

Oswaldo Ramos Soto, a former leader of the National Party and member of the Parliament who also once served as president of the Honduran Supreme Court, died on Friday at the age of 77, according to CNHI News.

He had been hospitalized in an intensive care unit because of an unspecified "cerebrovascular condition" that impacted the flow of blood to the brain.

Prominent attorney and political leader

El Debate reported that, according to sources close to his family, Ramos Soto passed away at a private hospital in Tegucigalpa, where he had been admitted since August 6 after suffering undisclosed "health complications."

Born in 1947 in the city of La Ceiba, he became a renowned attorney and politician who ascended to several prestigious positions in the academic, judicial, and political realms.

Ramos Soto served as president of the Bar Association and as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) from 1975-1981, then as Rector of the UNAH from 1982-1988, after which he launched an unsuccessful campaign in 1989 to be elected as the president of Honduras.

From 1990-1992, however, he was president of the Honduran Supreme Court, after which he became the president of the National Party from 1992-1994, and from 2006-2022, he was an elected deputy for the National Party in the National Congress.

The current party leader, Tomas Zambrano, praised Ramos Soto as a great leader, defender of the law, and "teacher of generations" whose knowledge and leadership would be sorely missed.

Reportedly suffered complications following a stroke

According to El Heraldo, the death of Ramos Soto was attributed to complications after suffering a stroke several weeks ago that resulted in his hospitalization.

Interestingly enough, it was just about a month prior to his death that Ramos Soto posted a message to his X account that seemed to indicate that his health was improving.

On July 27, he wrote, "To my friends across the country who have called me asking how I am, I want to let you know that by God's will I am in good health with my family and loved ones enjoying the weekend. Thank you for checking in. Hugs."

Jorge Zelaya, a top deputy for the National Party, confirmed the passing of the former party leader to El Heraldo and revealed plans for an immediate viewing of his body at the funeral home followed by a swift burial service and mass.

Praised by his colleagues for his contributions to the country

CNHI News reported that several of Ramos Soto's colleagues expressed their grief and offered condolences to his family and friends for the loss of an indispensable and irreplaceable "hero of the country."

He will leave behind a historic legacy of influence upon the development of the law and politics in Honduras, said those who paid tribute to his honor.