Detroit civil rights activist Ron Scott dies at 68

(WJBK) - Longtime civil rights activist in Detroit Ron Scott has died at age 68.

"He worked up until his very last moment, and that's what kept him going, just knowing that the work that he provided was needed," says Michelle Loveberry, Scott's cousin and assistant. Scott had quietly battled cancer and was just recently hospitalized. He was 68 years old.

He was never afraid to take on an issue. Most recently, he took on the high profile case of Terrance Kellom, who was killed by a Customs and Immigrations Enforcement agent. Before that, it was Aiyana Jones, who was killed during a police raid.

Scott was educated at the University of Michigan and founded the Coalition of Police Brutality. His work helped lead to Detroit police being paced under a consent degree.

He was often seemingly at odds with police in the city, but he is being praised by them. Detroit Police Chief James Craig released this statement following Scott's death:

"I am shocked and saddened by the passing of civil rights leader Ron Scott. I had tremendous respect for him and the principles he fought for. We had recently talked about meeting to discuss the history of civil rights in detroit. His memory and his mission will live on."

Mayor Mike Duggan said, "Ron Scott dedicated his life to fighting for justice and protecting civil rights. His work will live on and he will be missed."