Scalia's Son Calls Conspiracy Theories About Father's Death 'Hurtful Distraction'

— -- Justice Scalia’s eldest son, Eugene, called the conspiracy theories surrounding the circumstances of his father’s sudden death a “hurtful distraction,” in an interview with conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham that was posted today.

"It’s, I think a distraction from a great man and his legacy at a time when there’s so much to be said about that and to help people even more fully appreciate that. And, on a personal level, I think it’s a bit of a hurtful distraction for a family that’s mourning," Eugene Scalia said.

Though Scalia said he hasn’t followed the details of the swirling conspiracies, he sought to put those theories to rest.

"Our family just has no doubt he died of natural causes. And we accept that. We’re praying for him. We ask others to accept that and pray for him," he said.

Scalia also said that his father, a month shy of his 80th birthday, was "at a place in life where he could be taken from this world at any time” and "would have been the first to tell you ... we’re from dust, we return to dust, your life could be taken from you at any instant.”

Asked about how his mother is dealing with the loss, Scalia said she’s a strong woman of great faith with a stellar support system but acknowledged that this is a very difficult time for her.

“What I think about and worry about most right now is my mom, not my dad,” he said.